Union warns staff could take industrial action after Edinburgh University announce staff cuts

The University and College Union (UCU) has warned staff could take industrial action after Edinburgh University announced staff cuts.

In a letter to staff, Principal Sir Peter Mathieson said that cost-saving actions to plug a £140m budget gap will lead to a smaller staff base at the university.

He outlined rising utility prices, inflation, national insurance contributions, and rising employment costs as the reasons for the cost-cutting decision.

It comes after staff were previously told in the summer that the university “would reduce spending in all areas” due to funding issues and that the closure of some university programmes or schools would have to be considered.

Edinburgh, founded in 1582, is one of the four “ancient” universities in Scotland and boasts links to 20 Nobel Prize laureates among its alumni – alongside current First Minister John Swinney and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

However the UCU has warned the threat of compulsory redundancies could lead to industrial action.

Sophia Woodman, UCU Edinburgh President, said: “We have launched a local dispute to oppose compulsory redundancies, and are currently consulting our members with a view to balloting for industrial action soon.

“So, in short, if management does not return to negotiations and commit to no compulsory redundancies as part of their effort to cut costs, there is likely to be industrial action at the University of Edinburgh.”

A University of Edinburgh spokesperson said: “We appreciate – and share – many of the concerns raised by colleagues, students and others in our community. We know how much Edinburgh means to so many.

“However, we have been very clear that the current financial position we are in is not sustainable for the future, and we will be liaising with our unions throughout this process.

“The actions we must take now – which include both staff and non-staff operating costs – will ensure that we sustain our position as a world-leading university, delivering benefit to society, and emerge stronger as we confront the financial challenges of the sector.”