Sheffield Hallam University faces a potential escalation in labor conflict as the University and College Union (UCU) begins a strike ballot tied to proposed job cuts. The union said up to 130 roles could be affected as part of efforts to save nearly £27 million. UCU argues the reductions stem from “poor governance and financial mismanagement,” while the university counters that it has already achieved savings without compulsory redundancies and says the current proposals would reduce 70 roles net. The dispute also includes proposed pension changes and an “academic staffing model” that would increase the use of lower-graded tutors. The ballot runs from March 31 to May 5, following a walkout in November over job losses, workload, and welfare.