A marking boycott is currently taking place at Leeds Beckett University. We have been reassured by the University that students will be able to graduate and progress in their studies. 

This strike action is being taken by some university staff who are members of UCU, a union recognised by Leeds Beckett University. The UCU represent mainly academic and teaching staff. The strike action is in response to ongoing disputes over pay and conditions, following the breakdown of the national collective bargaining process which ended without resolution in 2022. You can find out more about the dispute here.

Our position as a students’ union is that the University must ensure that all students are able to graduate and progress in their studies and that the boycott has a minimal impact on students. The University has assured us that they are committed to this. 

As a students’ union that represents over 25,000 students at Leeds Beckett, our primary charitable responsibility is to put students at the centre of everything that we do. We believe that the working conditions of university staff reflect directly on the experience of our students, and to that end we are fully behind the principles leading to the planned boycott. However, we are concerned about the impact that the tactics of refusing to mark and return student assessments could have on students. At the same time, we would also like to state our support and solidarity with those staff who have taken the difficult decision to strike in the fight for better pay and conditions. 

Schools have put plans in place to mitigate any effects of the marking boycott so that the impact on students is minimal. Students who have concerns are advised to contact their course staff in the first instance. If, after seeking clarification from course staff, students need further advice they can seek independent advice from the Students’ Union Advice Service here. 

Keep an eye out on our website and social media channels for further updates.