Class action lawsuit launched against universities over impact of lecturers’ strike

An international law firm specialising in class action litigation has invited students to join a group action against universities to reclaim part of their tuition fees because of strike action.

Shimon Goldwater, an associate at Asseron, told The Times that the UCU strike over pensions has meant “services contracted for have not been provided”.

UCU members are striking over proposed changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension scheme, which the union says would leave a typical lecturer around £10,000 a year worse off.

Over 100,000 students have signed petitions highlighting the loss of lectures, classes and assessments to the strike. A number of university buildings were also occupied last week by student protesters supporting the UCU, including six of the nine striking universities in Scotland.

Mr Goldwater (pictured) added: “Universities may have force majeure clauses that say events beyond their control mean they can’t provide them, but consumer protection law can mean terms of contracts don’t necessarily apply, and not all universities have them.”

The firm is seeking a specialist litigation funder to eliminate upfront costs for students signing up for the lawsuit.