University staff at the University of Dundee have commenced a fresh wave of industrial action in protest against widespread job cuts and the looming threat of compulsory redundancies.
Members of the University and College Union (UCU) began a five-day strike on Monday, 26 May, which will continue until Friday, 30 May.
The strike action follows the university’s controversial cost-cutting plans, which initially proposed axing up to 700 jobs.
Following public outcry and intervention by the Scottish Government, the number was later revised down to 300 through a voluntary severance scheme. However, union leaders say the institution has failed to rule out forced redundancies, sparking renewed unrest among staff.
The union has raised serious concerns about ongoing redundancy consultations in key departments, including the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) and the Educational Assistive Technology Team (EduAT).
The latter provides vital support for students with disabilities, both in the UK and internationally. UCU insists its dismantling would have a “devastating impact” on accessibility and inclusive education.
A spokesperson for Dundee’s UCU branch said: “While the move to voluntary severance was welcome, the continued threat of compulsory job losses hangs over our colleagues, especially in LRCFS and EduAT. We urge the university to commit fully to the Scottish Government’s guidance and avoid compulsory redundancies.”
UCU General Secretary Jo Grady also called for stronger intervention by both the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
“Seven months after management revealed a financial deficit, the failure to provide staff with certainty over their futures reflects a deeper crisis in leadership and governance at the university,” she said.
The Scottish Government responded by confirming it is working closely with the SFC to support affected universities.
It has allocated £25 million to help institutions like Dundee weather short-term financial challenges and is assisting with the development of a Financial Recovery Plan.
A government spokesperson added: “We continue to encourage Dundee’s leadership to engage meaningfully with staff and unions, and to do all they can to protect jobs and minimise disruption to students.”
The University of Dundee expressed disappointment over the renewed strike, particularly as it coincides with a critical time in the academic calendar.
A university spokesperson said: “This action comes at a time when we have made progress on a revised recovery plan. We have contingency measures in place to ensure minimal disruption to students, particularly around final marks and degree classifications.”
Despite these assurances, the UCU has vowed to continue its campaign to safeguard jobs and uphold educational standards, warning that further industrial action could follow if compulsory redundancies are not ruled out.
