At Sheffield Hallam University, the University and College Union (UCU) has begun balloting members for strike action after warning that job losses and pension changes are planned as part of proposed savings. UCU said staff believe up to 130 roles could be cut, attributing the situation to “poor governance and financial mismanagement.” The university disputed the union’s framing, saying the proposals would avoid compulsory redundancies and translate to a net reduction of 70 roles, while also stressing it has made savings previously without compulsory layoffs. Management added that further changes are tied to what it described as insufficient government support for long-term sector sustainability. The dispute also includes pension reforms for academic staff and a proposed academic staffing model shift intended to increase use of lower-grade academic tutors. The ballot runs March 31 to May 5, following a November walkout over job losses, workload, and welfare. If the strike proceeds, Sheffield Hallam faces the same kind of operational strain seen across the sector—tightening staffing capacity while raising costs for teaching continuity and student support.