Staff at Goldsmiths, University of London, have launched an indefinite strike in response to a new restructuring plan aimed at saving 29.5 million dollars. The plan includes major job cuts that could affect more than one-fifth of employees. This marks the third restructuring effort in five years, following earlier cost-saving programs that led to significant layoffs and departmental reductions.

The Goldsmiths branch of the University and College Union (UCU) began a marking and assessment boycott on April 27 to pressure management to avoid layoffs. In retaliation, the university announced full pay deductions for participating staff, prompting the union to escalate to a full strike on June 8. Previous restructuring programs, including the “Recovery” and “Transformation” initiatives, had already eliminated dozens of positions while raising questions about financial management and consultant spending.

The situation at Goldsmiths reflects a wider crisis in UK higher education, driven by reduced government funding, rising dependence on tuition fees, and falling international student numbers. According to the Office for Students, 119 universities reported deficits for 2025–26, with 24 at risk of closure within a year.