Finance workers strike at Oxford University Press

Finance workers are on strike at Oxford University Press (OUP) over plans to offshore jobs to India, with trade union officials warning that “before long this great British institution will exist in the UK in name only”.

The strike, involving over 30 members of the trade union Unite, began this Tuesday and is due to continue until “at least” 11th September. A spokesperson for OUP told Cherwell they “have plans in place to minimise any potential disruption to colleagues, customers, and suppliers”.

This week’s strike comes after OUP, an official department of the University of Oxford, announced plans to offshore the finance operations department to the India-based company EXL Service. This recent move, which affects 48 jobs, is not the only recent job loss at the world’s largest university press. In June 2024 workers in the press’ American division went on strike over similar concerns about outsourcing of union jobs. Last November OUP began a “collective consultation” around organisational changes that would result in 113 UK employees being made redundant. The result of the consultation is still unclear. 

Naomi Gravett, a regional officer at Unite Southeast, told Cherwell: “Members took the difficult decision to strike to fight for their jobs. The affected group are dedicated professionals, who love what they do and are devastated that they are being cast aside in the pursuit of profit.” According to public filings, Oxford University Press made a profit of £47.1 million in 2025/26. 

A spokesperson for OUP told Cherwell: “Colleagues have been offered enhanced redundancy terms as well as opportunities for redeployment and support, including funding for professional development, and a number have secured alternative roles within the Press.”  

The spokesperson added: “Fewer than half of the colleagues impacted by the changes have voted in favour of industrial action and a majority have accepted the terms offered.” Alternatively, Unite claims that 78% of affected employees voted in favour of the strike. Cherwell has been unable to independently verify either claim. 

Gravett warned that the strike’s length could be extended beyond 11th September “if OUP don’t come back to the negotiating table”. A spokesperson for OUP told Cherwell: “We are committed to consulting with our colleagues to reach a resolution.”