Support staff at the University of Gloucestershire are striking after rejecting a proposed 1.4% pay increase, according to the union Unison. The union characterized the offer as “insulting,” saying it fails to match the rising cost of living for lower-paid categories including library assistants, administrators, IT workers, and other support roles. A University spokesperson said the sector is under “unprecedented financial pressure” and expects disruption to students to be minimal. Unison said members “cannot afford to live” and warned that additional strike action is planned. The dispute underscores how the higher education cost squeeze is shifting from institutional budgeting into day-to-day labor relations—an issue likely to affect staffing stability, student service operations, and campus climate.