A STRIKE at the University of Sheffield showed no signs of nearing a resolution today as it entered its second day.

University and College Union (UCU) members began five days of action over job cuts on Monday, with further strikes planned until December 12.

Up to 20 staff are at risk of compulsory redundancy, with seven facing the prospect of losing their jobs in December, according to the union.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Staff are downing tools from this week because they refuse to accept threats to our members’ jobs. They will not accept the degradation of staff working conditions through ever-increasing workload pressures.

“If the employer does not reverse its decision to cut jobs, it should expect disruption on campus throughout this term.”

On Monday, the union’s University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University branches held a joint rally at Barkers Pool in the city centre.

A spokesperson for the University of Sheffield said: “We had sincerely hoped to be able to avoid industrial action.

“While we were unable to reach an agreement, we remain committed to making no compulsory redundancies before 31 December 2025 and avoiding them wherever possible in the future.

“The sector continues to face significant uncertainty and we therefore have a responsibility to ensure we remain sustainable and aligned with future needs, while safeguarding our world-class teaching and research.

“We expect the vast majority of our students to be unaffected by industrial action and will continue to do everything we can to minimise any impact.”