After months of walkouts, Newcastle University has paid out £2.4 million to students whose education was disrupted by industrial action.
The payments come in response to four months of strikes by university staff, with more than 12,000 students identified as eligible for compensation. In total, the university recorded 2,752 separate incidents of missed or disrupted teaching between March and June 2025.
Students affected by the disruption have been offered compensation based on their fee status and how many modules they missed. Home students can claim up to £600, while international students may be eligible for as much as £1,200. A university spokesperson confirmed that funds for the compensation were redirected from salaries not paid during the strikes.
According to a representative from the University and College Union (UCU), the payout ‘sets precedent’ and has “put other universities on alert”.
Did a strike spoil your university experience?
UK universities are legally bound to provide the service you pay for. If teaching is cancelled, not replaced, or falls short of what was promised, it could amount to a breach of contract.
At Join the Claim, we connect students with specialist lawyers who are investigating group legal action against universities across the country. Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and fair, so students aren’t left footing the bill for a service they didn’t receive.
Compensation for Covid lockdowns
As well as breaches of contract due to industrial action, lawyers are also leading claims for campus shutdowns during the Covid lockdowns. They believe that this disruption led to:
- A diminished educational experience. Students paid for in-person tuition but received online classes instead. This shift resulted in less engagement with professors and peers. Many extracurricular activities, networking events, and social interactions that are integral to the university experience were cancelled or moved online, limiting students’ overall development and networking opportunities.
- Restricted access to facilities. Universities closed essential facilities like libraries, labs, and study spaces. Students missed out on valuable resources critical for their academic success and research projects.
- Degree devaluation. Despite the reduced services, universities did not offer refunds. Students ended up paying the same fees for a subpar experience, straining their finances without receiving the expected value. Many students feel their degrees aren’t worth the cost, leaving them at a disadvantage when job hunting.
- Career setbacks. Strikes and online learning disrupted coursework and exams, delaying graduations for some. Additionally, many students lost out on internships and job opportunities, affecting their career prospects and earning potential.
- Mental health impact. The uncertainty and stress from the sudden changes, coupled with isolation during lockdowns, took a toll on students’ mental health. The lack of in-person support services exacerbated these issues.
Think your university broke its contract due to strikes?
If you missed out due to strikes, it’s worth checking if you’ve got a case.
Lawyers are already helping thousands of students explore potential group action against their universities. It’s free to check and only takes a few minutes. If you’re eligible, we’ll connect you with a trusted UK law firm ready to champion your case.
