**Cardiff University Staff Put Strike on Hold Amid New Talks Over Redundancy Cuts**
Cardiff University staff have called off their initially planned strike day as the ongoing dispute over proposed job cuts takes a new turn, allowing for urgent talks to be held between union representatives and university management. The meeting, which is to be mediated by the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), marks a significant yet cautious step towards a resolution after months of unrest on campus.
The announcement was made by the Cardiff branch of the University and College Union (UCU), who revealed that its members had agreed to suspend the walkout originally scheduled for 1 May. This decision, according to the union, has been taken as a gesture of goodwill to allow fruitful negotiations to commence, while also giving affected staff the opportunity to reflect on the potential outcomes of the talks.
The dispute centres on Cardiff University’s plans to enforce compulsory redundancies as part of sweeping financial cuts first announced in January. These measures, the university claims, are necessary to stabilise its financial position amidst sector-wide pressures, with much of higher education in the UK facing declining resources and increasing dependence on international student fees.
Despite the pause in strike action, the sense of unease on campus remains palpable. Cardiff University UCU president Dr Joey Whitfield stated, “After three months of uncertainty and fear at Cardiff University, levels of trust in leadership are very low amongst our members. This meeting represents a glimmer of hope, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. We are not celebrating anything yet.”
The planned industrial action is far from over. The UCU has already declared an indefinite marking and assessment boycott beginning 6 May, which could have serious consequences for student progress and upcoming graduation ceremonies. In addition, six further full strike days are slated for June, underscoring the intensity of the standoff and the determination of staff to protect their jobs.
Almost 1,300 university staff still face the threat of redundancy at Cardiff, with 286 jobs currently earmarked for cuts after some 81 employees accepted voluntary severance. The proposals have triggered strong backlash, including public rallies and criticism from students, academic staff, and community members alike. At its most severe, the restructuring would have seen the closure of courses and entire academic schools such as nursing, modern languages, music, ancient history, and theology. Although the nursing school has been spared for now, it will admit fewer students moving forward, and everything remains subject to ongoing review.
Cardiff UCU highlighted that 83% of their members backed strike action in a statutory ballot, and 86% supported action short of strike, including assessment boycotts. These figures far exceed the legal requirement for industrial action in the UK and represent the branch’s largest-ever mandate, reflecting the deep concern and anger among staff over the proposed changes.
The union’s central demand remains the same: a guarantee that there will be no compulsory redundancies at Cardiff University during 2025. Dr Whitfield added, “Our independent analysis of the university’s finances shows that making staff redundant as part of such a rapid restructuring exercise is not needed. We can turn the university’s finances around over a longer period and avoid this kind of pain. If this modest demand is not met, then our members may have no choice but to follow through with industrial action.”
The marking and assessment boycott, described as “action short of a strike”, involves staff refusing duties related to setting exams, marking assessments, or participating in exam boards—actions that could prevent students from progressing or even graduating. This form of protest was last employed in 2023, resulting in significant disruption and, according to the union, pay deductions of up to 100% for participating staff. The union claims that, in response, some students were allowed to graduate without knowing their degree classification, while others saw academic standards lowered.
Other campus unions, including Unite and Unison, have offered solidarity, instructing their members not to cover work left by striking UCU colleagues. Both local and national strike funds have been established to support those affected by wage deductions.
While all sides acknowledge that the forthcoming Acas talks represent a positive step, much remains at stake for staff and students alike. The outcome of these negotiations will determine not only the future direction of Cardiff University but also the wider climate for higher education employment across Wales and the UK. Cardiff University has been approached for comment, while the campus community braces itself for what comes next in this high-stakes dispute.