Newcastle University has offered compensation of up to £1,200 to students affected by staff strikes. 

In an email sent to students, the university apologised for the disruption to teaching caused by industrial action since September. 

“We also understand that despite the measures we put in place to mitigate the effects of industrial action, it has not been possible to replace all teaching that has been missed,” the message says. 

The university goes on to offer compensation for missed teaching “that has not been repeated or replaced in a timely manner” up to the end of the second semester of the current academic year. 

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The rate of compensation for which students are eligible varies depending on the number of modules impacted and their tuition fee levels. 

In cases where six modules have been affected – the maximum number set out by Newcastle – home students could receive £600, while international students could receive £1,200. 

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It follows a letter sent to universities by the Office for Students in April, telling institutions they should offer “fair compensation” to students affected by industrial action. 

“If you accept this compensation offer, it will be considered full settlement for teaching disruption during the 2024-25 academic year,” the email says. 

“You still have the option to make an individual complaint regarding other impacts of the industrial action, such as loss of supervision, or you can decline this offer and submit an individual complaint,” it continues. 

Newcastle University staff union members voted to strike in February after a multimillion-pound package of cuts was announced at the institution following a decline in projected international student enrolments. 

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The university had said up to 300 jobs were at risk, initially refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. 

On 20 June, Newcastle bosses confirmed they would not be making any compulsory redundancies. This came after University and College Union (UCU) members announced an additional 30 days of strikes throughout June and July. 

A university spokesperson said that it had achieved its £20 million savings target "without the need for compulsory redundancies" through its voluntary severance scheme and staff redeployments. 

"This is an immensely challenging time for universities across the UK, and we are grateful to everyone in our community for their commitment and patience as we navigate towards long term financial sustainability," they said.

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Matt Perry, UCU Newcastle University branch chair, said, “The withdrawal of the threat of compulsory redundancies is a big win for all those across the UK challenging job losses in higher education through hard-hitting campaigns of industrial action and political lobbying. After events at Dundee, and now Newcastle University, there is a growing momentum to oppose the devastation happening across the sector.”

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com