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STV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
University facing staff strikes over hundreds of threatened job cuts
University staff are striking over hundreds of threatened job losses and compulsory redundancies. University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Dundee (UoD) will begin another five days of strikes starting on Monday 26 May, ending on Friday 30 May. The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25m to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students. 'Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.' The Scottish Funding Council were approached for comment Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
South Wales Guardian
26-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
University facing staff strikes over hundreds of threatened job cuts
University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Dundee (UoD) will begin another five days of strikes starting on Monday 26 May, ending on Friday 30 May. The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students. 'Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.' The Scottish Funding Council were approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
University facing staff strikes over hundreds of threatened job cuts
The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students. 'Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.' The Scottish Funding Council were approached for comment.
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dundee University strikes: Staff in new walkout over hundreds of threatened job cuts
The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... University staff are striking over hundreds of threatened job losses and compulsory redundancies. University staff protest against planned job cuts in a rally outside the Scottish Parliament (Picture: Lisa Ferguson) | National World University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Dundee (UoD) will begin another five days of strikes starting on Monday 26 May, ending on Friday 30 May. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' READ MORE: Scottish Government should step in to help universities Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students.' Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.'
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Dundee University facing staff strikes over 700 threatened job cuts
The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs. University staff are striking over hundreds of threatened job losses and compulsory redundancies. University and College Union (UCU) members at the University of Dundee (UoD) will begin another five days of strikes starting on Monday 26 May, ending on Friday 30 May. The strikes come in response to the university's decision to cut 700 jobs and are the latest in a string of industrial action at the university, with another 15 days of strikes having taken place in February and March. Initially, following advice from the Scottish Government, the employer announced a reduced figure of 300 job loses via a voluntary redundancy scheme, but the union said on Monday morning the UoD is refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The union also says the university is carrying out redundancy consultations in its Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT) departments. The union said that members were shocked that staff were still facing compulsory redundancy in both the LRCFS and EduAT. UCU added the EduAT team has proved integral in the education of disabled students in the UK and overseas. The union said that Assistive Technology plays a vital role in enabling learners with additional educational needs to achieve their academic goals. A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch said: 'The announcement at the end of April that, instead of up to 700 jobs being cut, the University is looking to lose 300 staff via a voluntary severance scheme was welcome. 'However, the threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes, and there are staff at the university that are currently facing redundancy in the Leverhulme centre and EduAT. 'We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish Government's call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods. 'The employer is pushing ahead with redundancies, and given that jobs are on the line our members felt they had no choice but to embark upon further industrial action. 'That's why members will be taking strike action for five days. UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.' Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, called upon the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to step in. She said: 'Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies shows the ongoing crisis in the university's leadership and governance. 'The intervention of Scottish Government and the SFC is welcome and essential, but as well as dealing with the immediate crisis at Dundee, we also need to see wholescale revision of governance arrangements at universities to ensure this never happens again.' The Scottish Government said it is working alongside the SFC to develop an alternative route. A spokesperson said: 'Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University. 'Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee's management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions. 'The Scottish Government has provided £25 million to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. Work is also continuing with the Scottish Funding Council on the further development of an alternative Financial Recovery Plan. 'It is vital that students are supported at this time and that any potential impact of industrial action is managed carefully to avoid disruption to their studies.' A UoD spokesperson said: 'This action from UCU is extremely disappointing, particularly in the context of recent progress towards a revised recovery plan and the timing of a strike when we are in a critical period of the academic year for our students. 'We believe we have robust contingency plans in place to mitigate the impact of strike action as far as we possibly can, particularly for confirming marks and degree classifications for our students. 'Most marking of exams is complete and we expect Exam Boards to meet and confirm results over the coming weeks.'
