Robert Gordon University and University of West of Scotland staff to strike over compulsory redundancy plans

Lecturers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) will stage co-ordinated strike action in protest against the threat of compulsory redundancies.

Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers’ Association (EIS ULA) say the planned job cuts will damage staff livelihoods and undermine the quality of education.

The union insists that members have been left with “no alternative” after both universities failed to offer a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies.

STV News revealed on Wednesday that RGU, based in Aberdeen, has now cut 188 jobs, with around 10% made through compulsory redundancies.

At UWS, which has sites in Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and London, more than 94% of voting members backed industrial action in a recent ballot. A similar mandate was secured earlier this year by staff at RGU.

University of the West of Scotland © Google Maps 2025

Andrea Bradley, general secretary of the EIS, said: “Our members are resolute in their fight to defend their jobs and protect the quality of education at RGU and UWS.

“Staff are being forced to take strike action as neither university has made any attempt to resolve their respective disputes, instead deciding to push forward with plans to make staff redundant.

“These job losses will no doubt have a detrimental impact on local communities, the students who study at these institutions and the colleagues who remain after staff have left or been dismissed.

“Both universities have failed to provide a no compulsory redundancy guarantee, and our members have been left with no choice but to take a stand by striking.”

Staff at the University of Edinburgh are now on the fourth day of a separate five-day strike over proposed £140m budget cuts – meaning three Scottish universities will see walkouts on the same day.

What are the universities saying?

A spokesperson for Robert Gordon University said: “We have a continuing commitment to avoiding and minimising, wherever possible, any compulsory redundancies at the university.

“The redundancy processes associated with our finance transformation project have now concluded, and the vast majority of affected colleagues have left the university.

“Most chose to leave voluntarily, with circa 10% of the 188 staff that have left being subject to compulsory redundancy.

“The university is continually evolving to meet the needs of our students, staff, and the wider sector. This means we must remain agile and responsive to changing circumstances, which like any organisation may involve further adjustments over time.

“Any such changes will be approached with care, transparency, and a commitment to minimising impact, guided by our shared goal of long-term sustainability and success.”

A UWS spokesperson said: “UWS has seen a significant reduction in funded places from the Scottish Funding Council and our plan for a change in the academic workforce aligns with that reduction in funding.

“Since 2022/23, the overall funded places have reduced from 12,735.3 to 10,850 for the coming year; a fall of more than 1,800 places.

“The challenge facing UWS is not unique, and throughout the process we have focused on ensuring we continue to deliver an excellent student experience and enhanced graduate outcomes – it is a matter of significant regret that the planned industrial action is highly likely to have a detrimental impact on our new and continuing students as they start a new academic year.”