Strike at University of Sussex and march through Brighton in protest at education cuts

In March staff at Sussex went out on strike and the university was hit by high-profile student protests. Tomorrow staff and students from both Brighton's universities will be meeting at the Level from 4.30pm for a 5pm march to the Old Ship on the seafront where a rally will take place from 5.30pm. Speakers will include UCU president, Alastair Hunter, and representatives from both universities.
 
The union said members at Sussex had little option but to move towards strike action as an urgent settlement was needed with up to 107 staff due to receive redundancy notices in the next few weeks. Nationally, cumulative cuts of nearly £1bn have already been announced for universities, while further education colleges have been told to make savings of £340m in the next year.
 
UCU Sussex representative, Paul Cecil, said: 'Staff at Sussex have been left with little option but to strike today. Over 100 staff are at risk of imminent redundancy notices and further cuts have already been announced which would seriously damage the quality of education we can offer current and prospective students. The city centre protests demonstrate that the cuts we are facing are vehemently opposed by the wider community.'
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'Industrial action is always a last resort but the bottom line is that serious job losses will impact massively across the University of Sussex and result in a far worse experience for students.'