While we continue to negotiate with UCU and it is our sincere hope we can reach an agreement that avoids the need for strike action, we are unfortunately planning on the basis that the strikes will go ahead.
We are sorry for the impact this will have on some of you and are putting a number of plans in place to mitigate this as much as possible.
Planned strike days
Strike days are due to take place on the following days. On these days, staff who are UCU members may choose not to teach classes or carry out other duties associated with their role:
- Monday 24 March
- Tuesday 25 March
- Wednesday 26 March
- Thursday 27 March
- Friday 28 March
Online Module Registration will open as usual on 24 March and your exam timetables will also be shared next week as planned.
Background to the strikes
Universities across the UK face financial challenges which means we, like many, are making savings through changes to how our teams work together.
The University and College Union (UCU) is the largest teaching union at universities across the country. Following a ballot of their members they have voted to take strike action at Kent in response to the current situation. We are continuing to negotiate with UCU at Kent and remain hopeful we can find a way forward that avoids the need for strike action.
What else is changing at Kent?
This is part of wider changes from September 2025 that include moving to three ten-week terms (four terms for postgraduates) so:
- it’s easier to fit life around study;
- having exams and assessment at the end of each term so you are assessed with course content fresh in your minds;
- and updating your modules so we can get you your timetables sooner.
This has all been informed by student feedback in recent years so, while we recognise staff concerns around workload and are committed to working with them to address this, we sincerely hope industrial action can be avoided.
Our commitment to you throughout
Throughout any period of industrial action our commitment to you is:
- We will do all we can to mitigate any impact on your studies
- We will never devalue your degree or coursework
- We will refund you for any direct expenses you incur as a result of strikes (details of how to claim expenses will be published online shortly)
- Any staff salaries saved as a result of strike days will be reinvested in your student experience
- We will be open and transparent throughout
If you have any questions regarding industrial action, you can email industrialaction@kent.ac.uk
What impact will strikes have on my attendance record?
If your teaching session is cancelled because of strike action, it will have no impact on your attendance record. Sessions where no attendance is recorded are not included in your overall attendance percentage.