Industrial action update - 9 May 2025

We want to share a quick update following a meeting with DUCU members on 8 May. After discussion, the decision has been made to withdraw from the marking and assessment boycott (MAB).

However, Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) is still ongoing, and the UCU will be holding a vote on potential continuous strike action on Tuesday, 13 May. Until we know what this continuous strike action looks like, we will update our support pages and resources to ensure you are as informed as possible. 

FAQs @ Durham SU

What if the strikes impact my studies? @ Durham SU

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 Industrial action update - 28 April 2025

On 25 April, Durham University and College Union (DUCU) informed the University that it will participate in a marking and assessment boycott on Monday, 12 May, as a form of action short of strike (ASOS).

For further information, visit the University's notices page here: Marking and assessment boycott - Durham University

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Industrial action update - 17 April 2025

Durham’s UCU branch recently balloted its members for industrial action. The ballot favoured strike action and action ASOS.

UCU will be taking the following industrial action:

• Discontinuous strike action on Monday 28, Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 April, Thursday 1 and Friday 2 May 2025.
• Continuous action short of strike (ASOS) will begin on Monday, 28 April 2025 and continue until September 2025.

ASOS will comprise ‘not working more than the nominal hours specified in employment contracts, not undertaking voluntary duties, not providing cover for absent colleagues, not providing cover for non-replaced staff, boycotting University-related activities relating to the Research Excellence Framework.’

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Support and communication

Understandably, you may have questions and concerns. The University information pages are here: Student information. Please look at their mitigation policy, which explains the mitigations to minimise disruption to your education. You can also contact us at ask@durhamsu.com, and we will respond to you directly based on what we know. Questions we receive will help us provide further updates on this webpage and our FAQS.

Please remember that if you have concerns that are affecting your wellbeing at any time throughout your studies, you can access support from our ASK service and other support services, including:

Durham University’s Student Support Hub

Student guide to industrial action - Office for Students