In a related development, UCU members at Durham University are also being balloted for strikes in response to planned cuts of £10 million this academic year and another £10 million next year.

Kyra Helberg, a 27-year-old PhD student and lecturer, voiced her concerns about her future in academia due to the looming job cuts.

In light of the industrial action, Newcastle University has implemented measures to maintain academic standards and mitigate the impact of the strikes.

Staff at Newcastle University have initiated a 14-day strike in response to impending job losses linked to a £35 million budget shortfall.

The university attributes its financial difficulties to structural underfunding, rising costs, and shifts in the international student market.

To address the budget shortfall, Newcastle University plans to cut salary expenses by £20 million, which will result in approximately 300 job losses.

The strike schedule includes specific dates, starting today and continuing through March 28, with additional continuous action short of strike also commencing.

While the university expressed disappointment over the strike, it acknowledged the difficult decisions faced by staff amid these economic challenges.

A university spokesperson emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation with unions to build a sustainable future during these tough times.

Geoff Poole, a senior lecturer in Linguistics, described the situation as frightening and frustrating, particularly regarding its impact on individual careers.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University College Union (UCU), warned that thousands of jobs across the UK higher education sector are at risk, which could significantly harm students.

Grady further stated that UK higher education is in crisis, with courses disappearing due to job losses, and the UCU is committed to protecting jobs and course offerings.