'Blood stained' curtains and roof collapses: Striking university students share shocking accommodation photos

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

University students who have been staging protests against rent amid the cost of living crisis say they plan to continue their efforts despite a number of students facing disciplinary action.

Nine students at the University of Manchester were found guilty of health and safety regulations through their use of barricades during a week-long occupation of the John Owens Building in February.

All nine - who are expected to appeal the verdicts and penalties - have claimed they have been told that future participation in protests will likely be treated as serious misconduct, which they describe as ‘an effective ban on all future occupations and protests’. Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features The students allege they have also been asked to make written promises not to engage in future misconduct and also engage in unpaid work of up to 40 hours at the university.

The 650 students on rent strike have been refusing to pay their accommodation fees since January and, with the end of the academic year, have vowed to continue their efforts 'indefinitely’ despite warnings from the University that those on strike could face expulsion.