Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh have suspended strike action until at least April after the university ruled out compulsory redundancies until July 2026. The move ends a dispute that saw nine walkouts this year and prevents further disruption to teaching and assessments. Simultaneously, staff at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) voted to end their separate dispute over job cuts, which had been running since August.
The Edinburgh agreement came after UCU members "narrowly" accepted the university's offer. The deal includes a voluntary redundancy scheme for academic and at-risk professional services staff, a commitment to meaningful consultation with the union over organizational change, and a freeze on most external recruitment. The university had previously planned £140 million in budget cuts.
UHI Resolution
At UHI, lecturers voted to conclude their dispute after the university ruled out compulsory redundancies at its executive office for a calendar year. The resolution follows two strike days in October. UHI also agreed to review its avoidance of redundancy policy and work with union representatives to manage staff workload and address morale issues.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady welcomed the developments at both universities but warned the Edinburgh dispute remains unresolved. «It is heartening to see the progress made in both universities, to get concrete wins for members and to improve job security,» she said. «It is clear that in Edinburgh the battle is far from over, and that members remain suspicious of their employer and need to be convinced that the employer is committed to working with UCU in the best interests of staff, students and education at the university.»
Grady emphasized the union's position on Edinburgh's financial plans: «UCU is also clear that Edinburgh University does not need to make the level of cuts planned, but there are benefits to be had by sitting round the table with the employer in the next couple of months negotiating to get a better deal for workers.» She added that members retain «a strong mandate for further strike action or even a marking and assessment boycott, should the employer back-track on its side of this deal.»
University Responses
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, welcomed the agreement. «We welcome the decision by UCU Edinburgh members to accept our offer, which will ensure no further industrial action is taken throughout the mandate period, up to April 28,» he said. «This agreement brings stability for our students and staff, safeguarding teaching, assessments and research from disruption.»
A UHI spokesperson affirmed the university's commitment to engagement: «The university will continue to engage constructively with the UHI UCU branch on a range of issues that have been raised. While the higher education sector is currently facing significant challenges, UHI remains committed to working with the trade union in support of colleagues.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
