The University of Exeter has seen industrial relations escalate after it announced last month that 500 staff were at risk of redundancy, with around 150 full‑time equivalent posts expected to go. Members of the University and College Union (UCU) will be asked to vote on whether to back industrial action from 27 July, after an earlier indicative ballot showed very strong strike support.
Ballot figures and public response
The indicative vote returned a high level of support for action: 92% of members said they would be willing to strike, on a turnout of 68%. The campaign opposing the cuts has attracted wide public attention — a petition opposing the proposals has gathered more than 30,000 signatures and has been supported by a number of public figures.
“There is no financial need whatsoever for these cuts. The management team at University of Exeter needs to change course before it causes yet more harm to the institution’s reputation.”
This comment comes from UCU general secretary Jo Grady, reflecting the union’s view that the proposals are unnecessary and would damage the university’s standing.
Where the changes are concentrated
The bulk of the proposed reductions are concentrated in the university’s School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. UCU has argued that this faculty has been disproportionately targeted despite its academic standing. The university, while confirming the proposals are at the consultation stage, has sought to reassure staff and the public that it is not proposing to close departments and that Exeter would still retain one of the largest humanities faculties in the country.
- Staff at risk: 500
- Expected post losses (FTE): 150
- Indicative strike support: 92% (turnout 68%)
- Petition signatures: 30,000+
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Staff put at risk | 500 |
| Expected FTE reductions | 150 |
| Indicative strike support | 92% |
| Petition signatures | 30,000+ |
The union has warned that, should the formal ballot back action, strikes could begin on campus at the start of the academic year. UCU has called on university management to rule out compulsory redundancies and said it would seek voluntary measures where possible. The university’s statements to date describe the proposals as a measure intended to ensure long‑term viability and say it hopes to achieve changes primarily through voluntary means.
For Exeter residents the dispute has multiple local implications: potential disruption to teaching and student support, reputational risk for a major employer and economic consequences for the city if staffing levels and course provision change materially. The coming weeks, during the consultation and the formal ballot, will determine whether the disagreement leads to industrial action and how the university’s plans are altered in response to staff and public pushback.
