STRIKES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Strike Action: What you need to know as a student

There are currently no staff strikes announced, but we understand that you may be significantly impacted by previous strike action and seeking support for your studies.

On this page you can find information about why industrial action has been taking place and how you can access support if you’re facing any challenges.

Just to clarify: the Students’ Union is not involved in strike action. We are separate from staff unions and our services stay open. We are here to support you throughout.

Why staff decided to take industrial action:

Industrial action is taking place in response to decisions made by University management, including planned redundancies and the proposed closure of the Southend campus.

University staff and their trade unions have raised serious concerns about these proposals and the way these decisions have been managed. They argue that the scale of the planned cuts could significantly affect the quality of teaching and research, reduce the support available to students, and have a lasting negative impact on the Southend community.

Academic staff, represented by the University and College Union (UCU), have taken strike action to oppose these plans. Other trade unions, including UNISON, which represents professional services staff, are also taking action to challenge the decisions, although this does not currently include any planned strike action.

Industrial action can take different forms, and not all of them involve staff walking out of work. You can find explanations of common terms further down this page.

Click below to jump straight to a section

THE SU'S POSITION POST-STRIKES WHAT IF I'M UNHAPPY WITH THE DISRUPTION I NEED HELP

What are the unions saying?

UNISON quote

As a former student of the University (BA Modern History, 2017, and MA Philosophy, 2023), and now a current staff member in Admissions as well as a trade union representative, I have been personally appalled not just by the severity of these cuts but the whole manner by which they are being rushed through.

Our views are that the University’s current financial position is not the fault of students (whether they be home or international fee paying), nor is it the fault of the diligent and hardworking staff that our unions represent.

Whilst there is a much-publicised wider crisis in Higher Education, do not be fooled that this is the ultimate cause of this current situation. The truth is that our members and generations of students have witnessed a catastrophic mismanagement right at the top of our University for years. Poor recruitment strategies, misguided capital expenditure projects, lack of consultation and negotiation with trade unions and staff, amongst other actions, have all contributed to this current position.

If decisions such as these go unchecked without sufficient evidence and scrutiny, more campuses will close. The student experience will suffer through professional service staff not being hand to make the campus safe, healthy, and happy; and ultimately, those of us with degrees from this institution will see their value deteriorate.

It is therefore critical that current, aspiring and former students join our Stop the Cuts campaign, alongside our colleagues in UCU and UNITE, to protect your academic legacy, your futures, and your university

Ryan McCreedy, Branch Secretary, UNISON

How can students support University staff taking action against the University?

We recognise that many students may want to stand in solidarity with University staff during this difficult time. We are working closely with the relevant trade unions to ensure students are kept informed about opportunities to get involved and show their support. The events listed below are organised by trade unions and are open to students who wish to participate.

The SU's position

The Students’ Union’s approach to industrial action is guided by the Essex Students’ Union Industrial Action Policy, which was approved by SU Council on 3 February 2026 and sets out how the Union responds when industrial action by University staff affects students.

Under that policy, your Students’ Union:

Supports the right of University staff to take lawful strike action
Does not take strike action as an organisation
Keeps all SU services, buildings and venues open for students
Works with the University to reduce the impact of disruption on students
May withdraw formal support for industrial action if it significantly harms student marking and assessment outcomes
Always puts student academic experience and wellbeing first

As a general principle, the SU supports strike action taken by University staff. However, our primary responsibility is to students. The SU may withdraw formal support for specific forms of industrial action where the Student Leader team believes the action would be seriously detrimental to students, particularly where it affects:

Marking and assessment
Academic progression
The awarding of qualifications

For this reason:

The SU does not support marking or assessment boycotts, due to the significant and long-lasting impact these can have on students’ outcomes
In some cases, the SU may publicly support the aims of staff while disagreeing with the methods used

The SU’s position is set by SU Council. In line with the policy:

SU Council may review or make exceptions to this position in specific circumstances
If at least 15% of SU Council members request it, Council may vote to make an exceptional deviation from the policy
Council will consider any forms of industrial action not directly covered by the policy on a case-by-case basis

Throughout any period of industrial action, the SU’s responsibility is to ensure Essex students receive the best possible support and outcomes.

During periods of industrial action, your Student Leader team is responsible for making sure students are supported, informed, and represented.

This includes:

Ensuring appropriate support is in place for students affected by disruption
Communicating clearly and promptly about what industrial action is taking place and what it means for students
Working with Student Community Officers to identify and reduce risks to particular student groups
Providing guidance on complaints and compensation, including how students can raise concerns
Actively gathering student feedback about the impact of industrial action
Representing student views to the University, ensuring student experiences are clearly heard
Continuing to press the University to minimise disruption, wherever possible, and protect students’ academic outcomes and wellbeing

This work sits alongside the SU’s wider responsibility to put students first and to support Essex students through periods of uncertainty and disruption.

Preparing for exams and assessments following strike action

We know that industrial action has had a significant impact on many students. You may have missed teaching as a result and feel concerned about how this could affect your exams or assessments. Now that strike action has ended, the University is working to replace missed teaching where possible and provide support to help ensure you still receive the education you were promised.

Check your emails regularly for updates about replacement teaching and support for any activities missed during strike action
Submit an extenuating circumstances claim if you believe your performance may be affected
Notify your department, or contact the SU Education Team at sureps@essex.ac.uk, if your assessment includes material that was not covered due to strike action
Seek support from SU Advice if you have concerns about your academic performance or progression
If you’re concerned about any gaps in your skills or knowledge, please get in touch with your student advisor for support and guidance

While the University is working to replace missed teaching, this is not always possible - particularly where assessments are regulated by a Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB).

You may also be offered alternative support or opportunities, such as an Moodle activity, in place of a timetabled lecture.

If you have concerns about a specific assignment, you can speak to your Student Advisor or contact the SU Education Team at sureps@essex.ac.uk.

This page will be updated as more information about replacement teaching becomes available.

The SU is working closely with the University to minimise the impact of industrial action. We are committed to ensuring that as much missed teaching as possible is replaced, so you receive the education you paid for and your work is not negatively affected. Your student leaders are also exploring options for compensation for students who have experienced disruption or detriment to their studies.

Our Education Team can support you with concerns about missed teaching, particularly where you feel adequate support has not been provided.

SU Advice can help you submit extenuating circumstances claims, discuss any concerns about the impact on your visa or academic progress, and support you through thecomplaints procedure if you wish to raise concerns about the University’s response to industrial action.

What if I am unhappy about the strike disruption?

If you are concerned about the impact industrial action is having on your education, you have options.

You will first need to use the University’s internal complaints procedure.
This gives the University the opportunity to address the issue and put measures in place to reduce or resolve the disruption you are experiencing.
If you are not comfortable submitting a complaint yourself, but still want to share your experiences and concerns, you can contact the Students’ Union Education Team, who can raise issues on your behalf.

The University has a responsibility to minimise disruption to your learning and ensure you receive the education you are paying for. This includes having appropriate contingency plans in place during periods of industrial action, such as:

Repeating missed teaching
Adjusting assessments
Removing untaught content from exams or coursework

Where these measures are not effective, universities may be expected to provide financial compensation.

To raise a complaint with the University, you should:

First complete the Early Resolution form.
This will be reviewed by your school or department.
If you are dissatisfied with the response from your Head of School or Department, you may then submit a formal complaint. This will be considered by a complaints investigator, who will meet with you to discuss your concerns.
If you remain unhappy with the outcome of the formal complaints process, you can request an Internal Review. This stage examines whether your complaint was handled appropriately.
Once the Internal Review has concluded, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) if you are still dissatisfied. The OIA may work with the University to secure additional support or recommend financial compensation.
To submit a complaint to the OIA, you will need clear evidence of how industrial action has affected your education, such as records of missed teaching or delayed assessments. Complaints must be submitted within 12 months of receiving the University’s final response. SU Advice can support you at any stage of the process, whether you are making a complaint to the University or to the OIA.

Click here for more detailed guideance on complaints.

Download the email template for Industrial Action Early Resolution

According to national guidance, compensation should be considered particularly where there has been:

Missed teaching that has not been repeated or replaced in a timely way
Significant delays or absence of assessment marking or feedback
Delays to progression decisions or the awarding of qualifications

This is especially important where delays affect:

Job offers
Further study
Visa applications or visa status

If you feel your concerns have not been adequately addressed through the University’s complaints process, you can make a formal complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA).
If you are dissatisfied with the response from your Head of School or Department, you may then submit a formal complaint. This will be considered by a complaints investigator, who will meet with you to discuss your concerns.
If you remain unhappy with the outcome of the formal complaints process, you can request an Internal Review. This stage examines whether your complaint was handled appropriately.
Once the Internal Review has concluded, you may escalate your complaint to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) if you are still dissatisfied. The OIA may work with the University to secure additional support or recommend financial compensation.
To submit a complaint to the OIA, you will need clear evidence of how industrial action has affected your education, such as records of missed teaching or delayed assessments. Complaints must be submitted within 12 months of receiving the University’s final response. SU Advice can support you at any stage of the process, whether you are making a complaint to the University or to the OIA.

SU Advice can support you in the process of making a complaint to the University or the OIA.

Need help now?

If strike action is affecting your studies or wellbeing:

Contact your department
Contact SU Education support
Contact SU Advice for academic and procedural help

Drop-in support will be availble from SU Reception (Square 4) on Strike Days between 11:00-15:00. A member of the SU Education or SU Advice Team will be on hand to provide support.

You are not on your own. We are here to support you and keep pushing for fair outcomes for Essex students.

Strike Glossary:

Refers to a range of activities that are carried out by employees, usually organised through trade unions, to dispute working conditions, pay, contracts, or decisions taken by their employer.

A full refusal to work and complete any contracted duties.

Action short of strike: refers to other actions staff may take that do not include walking out of the workplace, such as not covering for colleagues, not completing any voluntary duties or activities not explicitly covered in their contracts, or carrying out a marking and assessment boycott.

A form of ASOS which includes pausing all activities related to assessments, including setting exams, marking coursework, projects or presentations, invigilating and processing results.

A physical boundary set by striking workers, usually at the entrance to their place of work, where peaceful protest is often carried out. They often encourage other workers not to ‘cross the picket line’ and to join them in their strike, to increase the impact of industrial action.

Office for Students: the independent regulator of higher education institutions in England, which protects the interests of students and ensures the University is meeting its obligations.

Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education: an independent body set up to review complaints about Universities and other higher education providers in England and Wales.

A trade union is an organisation made up of workers, usually from the same industry or profession, that exists to protect members’ rights and interests. Trade unions represent workers in discussions with employers, advocate for fair pay and safer working conditions, and work to improve job security, equality, and workplace wellbeing.

University and Colleges Union: the largest trade union for academic and research staff in post-secondary education.

A vote called by a trade union to gain approval from its members to carry out industrial action, including strikes. A ballot with majority approval is legally required before unions can carry out industrial action.