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Edinburgh University Staff Launch Five-Day Strike Over £140 Million Cuts During Welcome Week

Union leaders seek a commitment to avoid compulsory redundancies tied to a £140m savings plan.

Overview

  • Picket lines were mounted across university sites on Monday, with a rally drawing hundreds to George Square at noon.
  • The union says the £140 million savings plan puts as many as 1,800 jobs at risk after leaders declined to rule out compulsory redundancies.
  • University leaders cite sector-wide financial pressures and a forecast operating deficit, saying they must reduce staff numbers and operating costs.
  • Management has opened a new voluntary redundancy scheme for senior grades and an enhanced retirement offer, after about 350 staff left under an earlier programme.
  • The strike follows a June 20 walkout and continuing action short of a strike, and UCU says it is taking steps to extend its industrial action mandate beyond November.