Industrial Action - May 2026

As always, the education, experience and care of students is the top priority and the University’s leadership team is working with the Deans and other senior staff to ensure education provision faces minimal disruption.

We appreciate this action may cause concern, however the majority of planned activity is expected to run as usual on these dates.

During days of strike action lectures, seminars, and workshops may be cancelled and marking and feedback may be delayed. It is recommended that students stay informed through official university communications, course updates, and that they use independent study time effectively.

The strike action relates to potential changes to academic pensions, as the University seeks to align staff as part of plans to reduce costs without reducing the capacity to deliver growth plans in future years.

If your question isn't covered here, please get in touch by emailing student.hub@solent.ac.uk

Industrial Action FAQs

Q: What is strike action by university staff?

A: Strike action happens when staff who are members of a trade union collectively stop working for a set period to protest issues that are impacting them or those associated with the university.

Q: Why are staff going on strike?

A: A number of academic staff will be taking part in strike action relating to potential changes to academic pensions at Southampton Solent University.

Q: How might a strike affect students?

A: Lectures, seminars, and workshops may be cancelled and marking and feedback may be delayed. Access to some staff may be limited during strike days.

Q: Is the university open on strike days?

Yes. We expect the majority of teaching to continue as planned and our campus remains open. Our library, learning spaces including computer laboratories, and social facilities are also still available for your use.

Student support teams will be available as normal. This includes our Student Hub, Library, Accommodation, Funding and Wellbeing services.

Q: Do students still have to attend classes during a strike?

A: You are expected to attend classes as normal. If a staff member is on strike, your class may be cancelled at short or no notice. This will not impact your attendance record on Check-In.

Q: What is a picket line?

On strike days, you will encounter so-called picket lines of striking staff outside the Spark building and the Michael Andrews building in the morning. You can still enter the buildings as normal.

Q: What can students do during strike action?

A: Stay informed through official university communications, check your course updates, and use independent study time effectively.

Q: Will I be able to claim for compensation/reimbursement of fees?

We acknowledge this action may cause you concern but please be assured that the university will do everything possible to minimise the impact of strikes on our students.

Staff who take part in the strike will not be entitled to pay from the university during the strike period. We are committed to ensuring that funds saved as a consequence will be re-directed to our Student Hardship Funds wherever possible.

If you still feel that you have been negatively impacted by the strike, you can submit a complaint in line with our Student Complaints Policy & Procedure.

Q : If you have an examination taking place on one of the impacted days, will this exam still take place? 

A: Yes all formal examination will be running as scheduled.  

Q: If you have an in-class test / oral presentation taking place on one of the impacted days, will this assessment still take place? 

A: We expect all assessments to take place as planned. In the event of any localised changes to the date / time this will be discussed with you.

Q: Where can I get more support if I am worried about the strike?

A: If you have any concerns about your studies, please contact your Course Leader. If you would like to access support, there are a wide range of services available for you to use. The details of the Student Hub are available here. You can also contact the Students' Union Advice Service for support.