LECTURERS at Sheffield Hallam University in South Yorkshire are to strike for four days in defence of their jobs.

The University & College Union (UCU) has accused the university of pressing ahead with expensive building projects while shedding hundreds of staff and attacking working conditions.

The union said 140 staff left after a voluntary redundancy programme was launched in December and the university is to axe a further 400 jobs in support services.

The university has been accused of breaking contracts, employing workers on zero-hours contracts and planning a further £15 million in cuts.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Strike action is a last resort for our members but they will not stand by and let management force through these scandalous cuts which would see teaching, research and academic standards torn to shreds.”

UCU members will strike from Monday September 23 until Thursday September 26.

A Sheffield Hallam University spokesperson said “We are disappointed UCU are taking industrial action. Our priority during this time will be to do everything possible to minimise the impact on our students and wider community.
 
“Like all universities, we are having to make tough decisions about the way we operate due to various well documented external pressures across higher education.
 
“We were able to reduce the number of academic staff earlier this year without compulsory redundancies. We have also made significant progress on changes within our professional services through voluntary means.
 
“As we move forward, we will continue to seek to avoid compulsory measures where possible and engage with trade union representatives as part of collective consultation.  
 
“Sheffield Hallam continues to be one of the largest and most popular universities in the country, with Gold-rated teaching and award-winning research.”