A STRIKE over IT staff redundancies at a university was called off following talks.

Workers at the University of Brighton had planned to down tools this week over job cuts to the IT department, as students returned to studies at the start of the second semester.

Brighton University College Union (UCU) branch chairman Dr Mark Abel had described the job cuts as “indefensible” during the pandemic, while some students had also reacted angrily to the redundancies.

SEE ALSO: Staff to strike over IT job cuts at University of Brighton amid Covid-19

Last week the university said 49 staff had been subject to a formal consultation, with eight staff being made compulsorily redundant as part of restructuring in the department, to offer “more flexible frontline IT support”.

The Argus: The University of Brighton The University of Brighton

Following a meeting between UCU and the university, this week’s strike action was called off.

A UCU spokesman said: “Brighton UCU is pleased to have been able to reach a negotiated settlement with the university over the issue of redundancies of IT support staff.

“This has avoided the need for disruptive strike action this week.

READ MORE: 'Indefensible' - Brighton UCU to strike over IT staff job cuts

“UCU remains committed to resisting compulsory redundancies and looks forward to working constructively with the university in future to avoid them.”

A spokesman for the university said: “The university has given assurances that no repercussions will be felt by those who took part in industrial action and recognises that working hours lost through industrial action cannot be rescheduled.

“Both parties look forward to working together constructively on the significant future challenges facing the sector, the university and our students.”