Protect Staff Rights. Stop Union De-Recognition.
We Need Your Support!
On 14 September 2026, University of Brighton management served formal notice to terminate the University's Recognition Agreement with both UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU), alongside all associated collective agreements. In effect, management have imposed an ultimatum: accept far worse terms and conditions within a nine-month window or face complete de-recognition. This threatens everything from the job descriptions and pay grades, to sick pay, maternity leave, and limits on working hours and more. Management want to be able to decide what rights and protections staff have, and to remove our ability to defend them in the future.
This is an unprecedented attack on industrial relations in UK universities, designed to strip away collective bargaining rights and dismantle staff representation and power within the University. That can only harm the University, the quality of education we provide, and our contribution to the city of Brighton and Hove. While other UCU branches face pressure to alter agreements, none have been threatened with de-recognition to achieve this. Vice-Chancellors up and down the country are watching closely, as is the wider trade union movement.
The University's senior managers want a submissive union to rubber-stamp their agenda without pushback or scrutiny. By threatening complete de-recognition, they are attempting to bypass negotiation to force through sweeping changes that will ultimately pave the way for job cuts and redundancies.
The instigation of union de-recognition is the direct application of force rather than a negotiation between partners. UCU will continue to work with University management to resolve this situation. We welcome good-faith negotiation with management, and we recognise that change can be required. But until and unless the threat of de-recognition is rescinded, there can be no true negotiation. UCU Brighton cannot negotiate under the duress of an existential threat.
Notice has been served, but it is not too late to persuade management to withdraw it. UCU Brighton members have voted to fight de-recognition with every means available, including industrial action.
We call on our members, university staff, students, the wider trade union movement, local and national politicians, and the good people of Brighton and Hove to stand with us to demand an immediate withdrawal of this unprecedented ultimatum.
