Sign in

UCU Newcastle University

@newcastleucu.bsky.social
407 followers 196 following 147 posts

Official account of the Newcastle university branch of the university and college union

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
LabourStart @labourstart.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
UK: Educators win full government funding for teacher pay rise www.ei-ie.org/en/item/3306...
ei-ie.org
United Kingdom: Educators win full government funding for teacher pay rise
Educators, unions, civil society organisations and concerned citizens have secured a major victory for teachers, education support personnel, and school communities across England after the UK Governm...
041
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
www.theguardian.com/education/20... Our branch chair gave a quote for this, which was …. Not fully printed so just to say, the full quote was:
theguardian.com
Backlash as Indian oil heir made professor of sustainability by Newcastle University
Role for Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest person, who also runs a controversial mega-zoo, met with incredulity
122
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Absolutely brilliant - solidarity!
110
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Sign this! Share this! speakout.web.ucu.org.uk/wages-not-we...
speakout.web.ucu.org.uk
Wages not weapons: Peace not war
Support UCU’s call to advance a vision of a lasting security based on decent jobs, quality public services, equality, climate action, democracy and peace.
011
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Solidarity and Marvellous news! ✊✊✊✊✊
000
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Exeter UCU @exeterucu.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The University of Exeter has confirmed that it won’t proceed with compulsory redundancies “at this time”. This means colleagues do not need to complete the pro forma, and there will be no selection process.
NO COMPULSORY REDUNDANCIES photo of Nicole Kidman looking incredibly joyful and free after her divorce from Tom Cruise was finalised
431288
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
bonkers...
000
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
LabourStart @labourstart.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
NETHERLANDS: Transcom call centre workers are striking for better redundancy terms uniglobalunion.org/news/transco...
uniglobalunion.org
Transcom call centre workers are striking for better redundancy terms
This is the first-ever strike at Transcom's Groningen branch, which is due to close on 1 November 2026.
034
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Link to The Courier article that exposed the University of Dundee being under a level 2 intervention for not complying with Freedom of Information law. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/politics/...
thecourier.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University under watchdog supervision over information failures
The Scottish Information Commissioner has opened an intervention against the crisis-hit institution.
11715
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Birmingham UCU @birminghamucu.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
SundayTimes reports that the University of Birmingham spent £12.4m on redundancy payments in 2024–25. This was the fourth-highest among the eight Russell Group universities listed as spending more than £10m, and sixth-highest across all 117 institutions analysed.
thetimes.com
Universities spend £400m on ‘golden goodbyes’ in a single year
The 60% increase shows how even top institutions are scrambling to deal with falling numbers of overseas students and stagnating domestic tuition fees
047
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Dr Susan Greaney @suegreaney.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
My uni have just withdrawn Geography, History & Geography and Politics & Geography undergrad courses run from our Penryn campus. Terrible for Cornwall. How did the staff find out? When UCAS clearing opened at 8am 😡
97758343
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
join your union
001
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
HWUCU @hwucu.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
WE HAD A DEAL! Watt happened? HWUCU back on strike today because our employer has signalled they won't keep their side of a deal made in June to protect jobs. No Compulsory Redundancy. @ucu.org.uk @joshpizpom.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @theferret.scot @ucuscotland.bsky.social
WE HAD A DEAL banner being hammered by 'worker bee'.
Two people in UCU hats hold a large banner, while a picketer in a bee costume hits the word deal with a mallet.Picketers in front of the Heriot-Watt sign protesting employer double cross.
22219
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Just going to leave this here … www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
020
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
LabourStart @labourstart.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
UK: London's Royal Observatory staff to strike over pay on day of eclipse www.aol.co.uk/articles/lon...
aol.co.uk
London's Royal Observatory staff to strike over pay on day of eclipse - AOL
Staff at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich have voted to take strike action over pay and working conditions on the day of next week’s eclipse . Members of the Prospect Union overwhelmingly voted to s...
043
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Since we put this out, power has moved from @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social to @lucympowell.bsky.social but the number of jobs on the line has not reduced because of it. The future of higher education means nothing to @labouruk.bsky.social ?
010
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
21 Group @21group.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Universities exist to teach students & produce research This brings in the money. Academics generate the value. Everyone else is paid from that income stream. University senior management has forgotten who creates the income & who depends on it They behave as if system runs the other way around
05822
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Beth DeBold @elizaaudacis.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
A perfect summation of the joy & despair that so many PGRs are being asked to hold simultaneously right now. I may be biased (Sam is my partner), but UK universities are letting the incredible talent they’ve invested in just go to waste, and it’s criminal. @newcastleucu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk
0142
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Vicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
If you’re at #Tolpuddle pop along to our #UCU stall where we are playing Workload Bingo, talking about issues that matter to members, and how we can work and organise across sectors + unions. Bags, caps, beanies & lanyards in return for suggested donations to the fighting fund tinyurl.com/UCUfund
Head on view of UCU stall in white gazebo, with table at the front and back covered in union “merch” (mostly tote bags and posters), with bunting made of tote bags with different campaign slogans, UCU flags, and UCU baseball caps (pink and white available!). On the right hand side part of the UCU national banner is visible hanging up inside the gazebo. On the front table, left( whiteboard reads “HOW’S YOUR WORKLOAD BING-GOing? - and Workload Bingo posters and UCU joining cards underneath it. View of side of the UCU gazebo stall looking at the UCU national banner which has a pink border, purple background, logo in centre and artwork depicting people standing together with signs and placards  with slogans including “FAIR FUNDING FAIR PAY”, “LOVE OUR COLLEGES”, “EQUALITY THROUGH EDUCATION AND STRUGGLE”. The motto at the bottom is “KNOWLEDGE IS POWER”.Another view of the UCU gazebo with lots of lanyards hanging up in the foreground - LGBT+, Palestine solidarity, Build the Union logos
065
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
leannew.bsky.social @leannew.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social
011
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
LabourStart @labourstart.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
15-07-1920 FRANCE: Women win the right to join a union without permission from their husbands.
042
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
21 Group @21group.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
It goes like this 1 Many universities collapse over next 2 years 2 Govt notices 3 Public inquiry into decline of once thriving HE sector 4 It states that causes were complex & doesn't mention policies that made collapse inevitable In House of Lords, Baroness Shearer West agrees
065
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social obviously dead chuffed that the brilliant Jill Halfpenny got an honorary degree from @northumbriauni.bsky.social. 🎭 Just a shame - a tragedy, even - the same uni is cutting Theatre and Performance... 😢 @ucu.org.uk www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2627205...
thenorthernecho.co.uk
Beloved North East actress and Strictly star 'thrilled' after getting honorary degree
Award-winning actress Jill Halfpenny, who is from Gateshead, has been awarded an honorary degree from Northumbria University.
01012
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Many more people in universities will lose their jobs if nothing changes in the way HE is (under) funded. Even more prospective students will not be able to go to university, especially here in the Norheast. @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social @markfergusonmp.bsky.social @chionwurah.bsky.social
11617
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
elia ayoub @ayoub.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Jesus. 35 UK universities quietly- without debate - joined the Ministry of Defence’s “Battlefield Alliance” which seeks to “reorientate academia towards Defence and National Security” They’re destroying the social sciences and humanities while militarising the institutions
• Durham University
• Newcastle University
• Northumbria University
• Lancaster University
• University of Cumbria
• University of Lancashire
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Huddersfield
• University of Sheffield
• University of York
• Loughborough University
• University of Lincoln
• University of Nottingham
• Aston University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Warwick
• King's College London
• Kingston University
• Queen Mary University of London
• University College London
• University of Oxford
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Surrey
• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Glasgow
• University of Strathclyde
• Cardiff University
• Swansea University
• Queens University Belfast
• Cranfield UniversityFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 July 2026
UK Universities Betray Public Trust by Joining MoD's 'Battlefield Advantage' Alliance
Without Debate
A coalition of campaign groups has accused UK universities of quietly integrating themselves into Britain's defence infrastructure after 35 institutions signed up to the Ministry of Defence's Defence Universities Alliance (DUA).
The Ministry of Defence says the alliance aims to "reorientate academia towards Defence and National Security", strengthen links between universities and the defence sector, and translate research into "battlefield advantage".
Campaigners say the move represents a significant shift in the role of higher education and has taken place without meaningful public debate.
Among the founding members are the University of Oxford, University College London, King's College London, the University of Manchester, the University of Edinburgh, Cardiff University and Queen's University Belfast.
"We are witnessing the formal incorporation of Britain's universities into the defence ecosystem," said Jinsella Kennaway, Founder and Executive Director of Demilitarise Education.
"The Ministry of Defence is explicit about its intentions. Universities exist to advance knowledge and foster critical inquiry, not to become pipelines for military research and defence recruitment.
Students and staff deserve to know who agreed to this and why."
Campaigners are calling on all 35 universities to publish the governance documents and board minutes relating to their decision to join the alliance, and to explain whether staff and students were consulted.
Many UK universities already maintain relationships with major defence companies, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, Thales, Lockheed Martin and QinetiQ. Critics argue that the DUA formalises and accelerates the integration of academia, industry and the state.
The coalition warns that, at a time of rising defence spending, universities risk becoming increasingly aligned with governme…
71018571
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Many more people in universities will lose their jobs if nothing changes in the way HE is (under) funded. Even more prospective students will not be able to go to university, especially here in the Norheast. @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social @markfergusonmp.bsky.social @chionwurah.bsky.social
11617
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Joshi Herrmann @joshih.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
BIG NEWS from @molliesimpson.bsky.social: Three people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and bribery at University of Greater Manchester. Police say opened their investigation a year ago “after we received allegations from The Mill". manchestermill.co.uk/breaking-thr...
manchestermill.co.uk
BREAKING: Three people arrested on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and bribery at University of Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Police are investigating the alleged misuse of as much as £1.7 million
27425
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
@ucu.org.uk @ucucommons.org @uculeft.bsky.social @newcastleucu.bsky.social @tucneyh.bsky.social @tuc.org.uk @unisoninhe.bsky.social @unison.org.uk www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...
chroniclelive.co.uk
Northumbria University staff 'outraged' at job cuts after pension row strikes
After lecturers staged weeks of strike action over a pension dispute earlier this year, a fresh row over job losses at Northumbria University has now broken out
067
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
This isn't just a fight for UoN. This is a fight for the future of higher education in the UK and globally. Colleagues from across the country have supported us in our efforts, financially and otherwise. We thank these members and others for their generous donation which will help us keep fighting!
1114
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Solidarity works! Colleagues in History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA) at Newcastle have raised £586 for the UCU Nottingham fighting fund in support of members taking strike action against compulsory redundancies. The collection was organised in recognition that what happens at one
image showing a Solidarity Fund pot for Nottingham Uni UCU to show that we are all in this fight together, and that doing twinning between sections and branches makes a material difference!
12812
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
@ucu.org.uk @21group.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @julietterowsell.bsky.social @chroniclelive.co.uk @danhollandnews.bsky.social @georgeclarke.bsky.social @tucneyh.bsky.social @unisoninhe.bsky.social @newcastleucu.bsky.social @ducu.bsky.social @moneyontheleft.bsky.social
092
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
@ucucommons.org @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @unison.org.uk @newcastleucu.bsky.social @georgeclarke.bsky.social
052
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Solidarity works! Colleagues in History, Classics and Archaeology (HCA) at Newcastle have raised £586 for the UCU Nottingham fighting fund in support of members taking strike action against compulsory redundancies. The collection was organised in recognition that what happens at one
image showing a Solidarity Fund pot for Nottingham Uni UCU to show that we are all in this fight together, and that doing twinning between sections and branches makes a material difference!
12812
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Solidarity!
000
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
02420
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
UCU Hallam @ucuhallam.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE: UCU Hallam secures major win as Sheffield Hallam University drops plans for subsidiary company. See ucuhallam.org/ezm8 for more info.
Sub-Co Stopped by UCU
49253
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
Any parent and applicant planning to attend the Sussex University Open Day today, we can save you the trouble: these are the non-answers staff is told to give you. To send your staff out with this nonsense and treat visitors to this ChatGPT approach is disrespectful to all.
BRIEFING FOR OPEN DAY STAFF AND STUDENT AMBASSADORS:
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX  CONSULTATION – VISITOR & APPLICANT Q&A

Top tips and key messages 
•	Lead with stability, continuity, and student experience
•	Avoid over-detailing internal changes
o	keep messages clear and outward-facing
•	Use phrases like: “remains our priority,” “continues as planned,” “committed to providing”

Q: I’ve heard the University is consulting on redundancies. What does this mean?
A:
•	Like many UK Universities, Sussex is proposing changes to some roles and structures, and is currently undertaking a formal consultation with staff as part of this process. 
•	This is part of ensuring the University of Sussex remains sustainable and continues to invest in high-quality teaching, facilities, and student support.

Q: Will this affect teaching quality?
A:
•	No: maintaining an excellent teaching experience is our top priority. 
•	Courses will continue to be delivered as planned, with the same focus on high-quality learning, expert staff, and student outcomes.

Q: Will my course still run?
A:
•	Yes. If you have applied for or accepted an offer, your course is expected to run as normal. 
•	If any changes were to affect your programme directly, you would be contacted promptly with clear information and support.

Q: Will there be fewer staff teaching students?
A:
•	Teaching, research, and the experience of our students remains central to everything we do. 
•	Any proposed changes are carefully planned to ensure students continue to receive the guidance, contact time, and academic expertise they expect.





Q: Is the University financially stable?
A:
•	Yes. Like many universities, Sussex is adapting to a changing sector environment. 
•	These proposals are part of proactive steps to strengthen the University’s long-term sustainability and protect the student experience.

Q: Will student services be affected (e.g. wellbeing, careers, accommodation)?
A:
•	Core student services will continue to operate as normal. 
•	Supporting student wellbeing, employability, and campus life remains a key priority throughout this process.

Q: Is it still a good time to apply or accept my offer?
A:
•	Absolutely. The University remains committed to providing a high-quality education and a vibrant student experience. 

Q: Will campus life and activities be impacted?
A:
•	No. Student life - including societies, events, and campus activities - will continue as usual. 
•	We are committed to maintaining a welcoming, engaging and supportive community.

Q: How are you supporting staff during this process?
A:
•	We are working closely with staff and representatives through a formal consultation process, with a strong focus on transparency, fairness, and support for those affected.

Q: Where can I get more information?
A:
•	You can contact our admissions teams at any time. 
•	We are happy to answer your questions and provide reassurance about your application or study plans.
24939
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
@ducu.bsky.social @ucucommons.org @sheffielducu.bsky.social @ducuuo.bsky.social @unisoninhe.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @privateeyenews.bsky.social @julietterowsell.bsky.social @danhollandnews.bsky.social @chroniclelive.co.uk @chionwurah.bsky.social @newcastleucu.bsky.social
054
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Solidarity
030
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
ucustandrews.bsky.social @ucustandrews.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
URGENT - UCU St Andrews Member - Antonis Vradis is on the Qannir La Cirena boat in the Global Summid Flotilla which has been intercepted by Israel Contact your MP and MSP Contact the Principal Please share
01924
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Solidarity to all
040
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Solidarity - this is appalling
013
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
covucu.bsky.social @covucu.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Wow! @covuni.bsky.social Coventry Uni Senior Leaders have reached a new low. They’ve just told staff about to start the Bank Holiday weekend, at 4.30pm that they’ve not got a job.The same SLT @uklabour.bsky.social are so fond of @zarahsultana.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social #workersday
31212
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
And so @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social's fight for pay and pension justice goes on... @nasuwt-official.bsky.social @neunion.bsky.social @nasuwtnewcastle.bsky.social @ntyneside-nasuwt.bsky.social @tucneyh.bsky.social @newcastleucu.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @chroniclelive.co.uk
033
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Northumbria UCU Branch @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
📣📣📣@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social members with words of fire🔥🔥🔥about the personal impact of @northumbriauni.bsky.social bosses' plans to rip off pay and pensions, rip up contracts, and rip us out of national collective bargaining.Pls share! The fight goes on ✊✊✊: socialistworker.co.uk/trade-unions...
socialistworker.co.uk
Northumbria university: 'Bosses frame it as a choice, but it’s more like blackmail' - Socialist Worker
The UCU union members are fighting attacks on their pensions
057
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Great day for a national housing demo. Assembling in Soho Square, Central London. www.housingdemo.org
Protectors with assorted placards protesting against exorbitant rents.
142
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
UCU Essex @ucuessex.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
This week over 400 members of the University community met at a joint union meeting to consider the motion below. 97% voted that they had no confidence in VC Frances Bowen and her leadership team. Staff demand accountability. www.ucu.essex.ac.uk/2026/04/17/v...
ucu.essex.ac.uk
Vote of no confidence: 15th April 2026
On 15th April 2026, more than 400 members of the University community gathered at a joint union meeting to consider the motion below. The motion passed overwhelmingly, with 97% voting in favour. Only ...
067
UCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
It's a few weeks ago, so here a little reminder of how good it is to see members rally and fight these unreasonable proposals from the employer! We stand in solidarity @ucunorthumbria.bsky.social
174
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
UCU Ulster @ucu-ulster.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
@ulsteruni.bsky.social - Announces intention to make 450 colleagues redundant University decimated 🤬😡 @caoimhearchibald.bsky.social @bphillipsonmp.bsky.social
32012
Reposted by UCU Newcastle University
Si Courtenage ᓚᘏᗢ “Pomni” @scourtenage.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Holy shit! “Last week, Ucea and Universities UK asked the government to remove the requirement for post-92 universities to enrol academic colleagues in TPS.”
022