Essex University staff are set to strike for seven days next month over 400 job losses in a major financial restructure.
It was revealed in December that the university is closing its Southend Campus this summer, and relocating all courses to its Colchester site.
The closure is taking place in a bid to secure the institution’s financial future, with 200 academic roles and 200 professional service staff members to be cut over the next two years.
The strikes, organised by the University and College Union (UCU), will take place from Thursday, February 12, to Thursday, February 19.
The decision follows a ballot in which 85 per cent of participating staff backed strike action, on a turnout of 66 per cent.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Strike action is a last resort for our members but decimating the staff body like this is nothing short of academic vandalism.
“It is impossible to axe 400 staff without hurting students and damaging the teaching and research capacity of the university.
“Closing the Southend campus would be utterly devastating to the area and would rip the heart out of the town as it is not only home to hundreds of students but a driver of growth in the local economy.
“Our members are fighting for their jobs, their students, Southend’s campus and the community they serve. We urge the university to think again and work with us to save jobs, and Southend campus.”
A rally will take place in Southend at The Forum in Elmer Square from 12noon until 1pm on February 5.
A Colchester rally be held at the same time on February 12 at the Colchester Road entrance of Essex University.
During the strike, participating staff will boycott exam boards and open days, not undertake voluntary activities and not cover for absent colleagues.
Around 800 students are expected to transfer from Southend to Colchester from September, with the university promising enhanced access to academic, social and cultural facilities at the larger campus.
The closure comes against the backdrop of a sharp and sustained decline in international student numbers — a fall of 52 per cent at Southend since 2021-22 — which has left the institution facing serious financial pressures.
A spokesperson for Essex University said: “The University of Essex is committed to doing everything it can to make sure that industrial action affects our students as little as possible.
“The university will remain open on all campuses to support the delivery of education and research.
“The library, IT and student support services will be available as normal for students, as will on-campus study and recreational facilities.
“The university will continue to work extremely hard to safeguard our students’ learning outcomes and student experience during this time.
“We are aware of the worry the situation may cause, and will be communicating regularly with our students, ensuring they know that support is available, should they need it.”
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