David Bretherton
@dtbretherton.bsky.social
“Hyper-woke academic with blue hair” (GB News) • He/him • Join a union! • Mostly dogs • Occasionally music theory, musicology & queer studies • Trade union rep
Pinned
The University of Exeter has confirmed that it won’t proceed with compulsory redundancies “at this time”. This means colleagues do not need to complete the pro forma, and there will be no selection process.
Excellent news.
Management backed down before the strike ballot even closed.
Congratulations to Exeter UCU.
This is why union membership and solidarity is so important.
#UCU
Management backed down before the strike ballot even closed.
Congratulations to Exeter UCU.
This is why union membership and solidarity is so important.
#UCU
Reposted by David Bretherton
The Association for Human Mathematics (AHM) statement on OpenAI’s October 6 release of mathematical documents just dropped! www.ahmath.org/statements
October 7, 2026 at 8:35 PM
The Association for Human Mathematics (AHM) statement on OpenAI’s October 6 release of mathematical documents just dropped! www.ahmath.org/statements
Reposted by David Bretherton
Goldsmiths has spent £14m on consultants since 2019.
Now it's replacing striking lecturers with staff who need only "an interest in teaching".
Joe Newman, Goldsmiths UCU co-president, on management's strike-breaking.
📰 @novaramedia.com
Now it's replacing striking lecturers with staff who need only "an interest in teaching".
Joe Newman, Goldsmiths UCU co-president, on management's strike-breaking.
📰 @novaramedia.com
October 7, 2026 at 9:20 AM
Goldsmiths has spent £14m on consultants since 2019.
Now it's replacing striking lecturers with staff who need only "an interest in teaching".
Joe Newman, Goldsmiths UCU co-president, on management's strike-breaking.
📰 @novaramedia.com
Now it's replacing striking lecturers with staff who need only "an interest in teaching".
Joe Newman, Goldsmiths UCU co-president, on management's strike-breaking.
📰 @novaramedia.com
Had the misfortune of catching 5 mins of Badenoch’s speech. The dishonesty and spin is frankly disgusting.
🚩 Scrapping employment rights act presented as “making it easier to hire” - no, it literally would make it easier to fire.
🚩 Disabled people are apparently told they cannot work. Really?!
🚩 Scrapping employment rights act presented as “making it easier to hire” - no, it literally would make it easier to fire.
🚩 Disabled people are apparently told they cannot work. Really?!
October 7, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Had the misfortune of catching 5 mins of Badenoch’s speech. The dishonesty and spin is frankly disgusting.
🚩 Scrapping employment rights act presented as “making it easier to hire” - no, it literally would make it easier to fire.
🚩 Disabled people are apparently told they cannot work. Really?!
🚩 Scrapping employment rights act presented as “making it easier to hire” - no, it literally would make it easier to fire.
🚩 Disabled people are apparently told they cannot work. Really?!
Reposted by David Bretherton
Found the email I sent when I got accidentally added to the faculty listserv of an orthopedic surgery clinic and nobody would remove me so I sent this email to all faculty/staff/med students and they removed me almost immediately
![Hello Bone Colleagues,
I have invented a new type of ankle and I'm very excited to show it to you. Early raccoon trials suggest a 60% increase in scurrying speed and dramatic increases in fine motor banditry. I know we are not supposed to create super raccoons, but I think you'll change your mind and professional ethics when you see how cute they are. I believe we are on the cusp of a new era in advanced human scurrying because if medical science has taught me anything, it's that improvements in raccoons correspond 1:1 to improvements in humans.
--
[My name]
Chief Bone Inventor
Chair, Department of Foot and Leg Innovation
Lord Mayor, Musculoskeletal Medicine
Hartford HealthCare,
The Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nycc7oummopgeptw555s6icn/bafkreicwbyb3msa5cnllbexjrxrmuw2s6qj36aiitv2tp5aos5nsz2pem4)
October 6, 2026 at 8:17 AM
Found the email I sent when I got accidentally added to the faculty listserv of an orthopedic surgery clinic and nobody would remove me so I sent this email to all faculty/staff/med students and they removed me almost immediately
Reposted by David Bretherton
Reposted by David Bretherton
Short video about yesterday's demos in Southampton.
Happy outcome, no violence and no arrests.
Happy outcome, no violence and no arrests.
October 4, 2026 at 12:59 PM
Short video about yesterday's demos in Southampton.
Happy outcome, no violence and no arrests.
Happy outcome, no violence and no arrests.
Reposted by David Bretherton
Cheesy omelette for the 2nd brekkie win 😉😋💙🐾
October 4, 2026 at 12:58 PM
Cheesy omelette for the 2nd brekkie win 😉😋💙🐾
“Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, was refused bail. The father of four, described as a professional roofer, was seen dabbing his eyes with a tissue at one point during the hearing.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Daniel Thomas pleads not guilty after alleged dinghy slashing in Channel
Far-right activist who was filmed appearing to slash boat with blade is refused bail as he denies charges
www.theguardian.com
September 25, 2026 at 3:25 PM
“Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, was refused bail. The father of four, described as a professional roofer, was seen dabbing his eyes with a tissue at one point during the hearing.”
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Reposted by David Bretherton
Just seen Danny Tommo referred to as "Captain Thugwash" and seriously, that's excellent work.
Amy Poehler's Perfect Chef's Kiss
ALT: Amy Poehler's Perfect Chef's Kiss
static.klipy.com
September 24, 2026 at 9:38 AM
Just seen Danny Tommo referred to as "Captain Thugwash" and seriously, that's excellent work.
Oscar is unscathed.
September 20, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Oscar is unscathed.
Reposted by David Bretherton
So basically a watch tower to further suppress DC?
Trump claims triumphal arch will serve as a ‘top grade military complex’ to store weapons
Trump claims triumphal arch will serve as a ‘top grade military complex’ to store weapons
US president on Truth Social claims his new plan for the 250ft arch comes at the ‘strong request’ of the US military
Donald Trump is proferring a new argument for building his triumphal arch in Washington DC: it will be converted into a “top grade military complex” replete with drone and ammunition storage space and customised sniper facilities on the roof and plaza.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday morning, Trump claimed that his new plan came at the “strong request” of the US military. He said the 250ft structure would be able to “house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage”. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 20, 2026 at 1:36 PM
So basically a watch tower to further suppress DC?
Literally seconds after walking under this tree in Palmerston park #Southampton, if crashed down. Large enough to kill somoeone. Quite shaken up. Reported it to the council. Real Health and Safety concerns about this incident.
September 19, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Literally seconds after walking under this tree in Palmerston park #Southampton, if crashed down. Large enough to kill somoeone. Quite shaken up. Reported it to the council. Real Health and Safety concerns about this incident.
My dog has a busier social life than I do.
September 18, 2026 at 12:06 PM
My dog has a busier social life than I do.
Reposted by David Bretherton
The TUC, congress of all the UK's trade unions, have voted to condemn the EHRC guidance and backed self-ID.
Good luck finding reporting on it, you'll struggle to find it, even as the papers report on plenty of other things the TUC has voted on, and speeches.
leftfootforward.org/2026/09/tuc-...
Good luck finding reporting on it, you'll struggle to find it, even as the papers report on plenty of other things the TUC has voted on, and speeches.
leftfootforward.org/2026/09/tuc-...
TUC votes to condemn EHRC code of practice and back self-ID for trans people
Delegates backed a motion branding the EHRC guidance 'discriminatory and unworkable'
leftfootforward.org
September 15, 2026 at 4:25 PM
The TUC, congress of all the UK's trade unions, have voted to condemn the EHRC guidance and backed self-ID.
Good luck finding reporting on it, you'll struggle to find it, even as the papers report on plenty of other things the TUC has voted on, and speeches.
leftfootforward.org/2026/09/tuc-...
Good luck finding reporting on it, you'll struggle to find it, even as the papers report on plenty of other things the TUC has voted on, and speeches.
leftfootforward.org/2026/09/tuc-...
Reposted by David Bretherton
"The new EHRC is discriminatory & excludes trans, non-binary & gender diverse people from swathes of public life, including their working lives. The law must be changed. The EHRC guidance is unworkable, is absurd & it is cruel"
Maria from the @cwunews.bsky.social at #TUC26
Maria from the @cwunews.bsky.social at #TUC26
September 14, 2026 at 4:33 PM
"The new EHRC is discriminatory & excludes trans, non-binary & gender diverse people from swathes of public life, including their working lives. The law must be changed. The EHRC guidance is unworkable, is absurd & it is cruel"
Maria from the @cwunews.bsky.social at #TUC26
Maria from the @cwunews.bsky.social at #TUC26
A gem from the University of Brighton VC’s bio:
“Her focus has been on creating equitable university communities that ensure progressive change.”
Solidarity to Brighton UCU for their demonstration tomorrow, against de-recognition and the erosion of employment conditions.
@ucu.org.uk #ucu #tuc
“Her focus has been on creating equitable university communities that ensure progressive change.”
Solidarity to Brighton UCU for their demonstration tomorrow, against de-recognition and the erosion of employment conditions.
@ucu.org.uk #ucu #tuc
September 14, 2026 at 10:59 PM
A gem from the University of Brighton VC’s bio:
“Her focus has been on creating equitable university communities that ensure progressive change.”
Solidarity to Brighton UCU for their demonstration tomorrow, against de-recognition and the erosion of employment conditions.
@ucu.org.uk #ucu #tuc
“Her focus has been on creating equitable university communities that ensure progressive change.”
Solidarity to Brighton UCU for their demonstration tomorrow, against de-recognition and the erosion of employment conditions.
@ucu.org.uk #ucu #tuc
***URGENT PLEASE SHARE*** University of Brighton management have announced today that they ‘give notice of termination of all collective agreements’. This is a fundamental erasure of workers' rights. Management have announced the termination of all contractual documents, which includes:
UCU members at Brighton University face the threat of derecognition. We have called an emergency rally tomorrow at 1:15pm.
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
September 14, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Reposted by David Bretherton
***URGENT PLEASE SHARE*** University of Brighton management have announced today that they ‘give notice of termination of all collective agreements’. This is a fundamental erasure of workers' rights. Management have announced the termination of all contractual documents, which includes:
UCU members at Brighton University face the threat of derecognition. We have called an emergency rally tomorrow at 1:15pm.
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
September 14, 2026 at 7:40 PM
***URGENT PLEASE SHARE*** University of Brighton management have announced today that they ‘give notice of termination of all collective agreements’. This is a fundamental erasure of workers' rights. Management have announced the termination of all contractual documents, which includes:
Reposted by David Bretherton
UCU members at Brighton University face the threat of derecognition. We have called an emergency rally tomorrow at 1:15pm.
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
September 14, 2026 at 5:02 PM
UCU members at Brighton University face the threat of derecognition. We have called an emergency rally tomorrow at 1:15pm.
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
It would be amazing to see as many #TUC26 delegates as possible in attendance.
58-67 Grand Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 0JY
Reposted by David Bretherton
The RNLI volunteer has told us that donations usually run at £20,000 per day. Currently running at £100,000 per day!
Bloody brilliant!
Bloody brilliant!
September 11, 2026 at 11:35 AM
The RNLI volunteer has told us that donations usually run at £20,000 per day. Currently running at £100,000 per day!
Bloody brilliant!
Bloody brilliant!
“It is also disappointing that the review missed the opportunity to engage with the University of Sussex when their lack of engagement was roundly criticised by the high court.” Sussex VC Prof. Roseneil 🔥
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Higher education regulator apologises for imposing £585,000 fine on university
Office for Students made decision to punish University of Sussex last year after claiming it breached free speech regulations
www.theguardian.com
September 3, 2026 at 10:26 PM
“It is also disappointing that the review missed the opportunity to engage with the University of Sussex when their lack of engagement was roundly criticised by the high court.” Sussex VC Prof. Roseneil 🔥
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
I mean, it takes some brass neck for Reform to criticise Verbatim for being ‘foreign-funded’!
September 3, 2026 at 10:19 PM
I mean, it takes some brass neck for Reform to criticise Verbatim for being ‘foreign-funded’!
Spot the difference:
BBC headline: “Farage senior aide filmed suggesting way to avoid donations law”
C4 headline: “Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations”
BBC headline: “Farage senior aide filmed suggesting way to avoid donations law”
C4 headline: “Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations”
September 3, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Spot the difference:
BBC headline: “Farage senior aide filmed suggesting way to avoid donations law”
C4 headline: “Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations”
BBC headline: “Farage senior aide filmed suggesting way to avoid donations law”
C4 headline: “Exclusive: Nigel Farage filmed undercover celebrating secret new foreign donations”
Chris Mason looks devastated on #Newsnight 😂
September 3, 2026 at 10:05 PM
Chris Mason looks devastated on #Newsnight 😂