Action Against Budget Cuts

Staff at the University of Edinburgh are being balloted for strike action over plans to cut £140 million from the university’s budget — the largest proposed cuts in Scottish higher education history.

The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) argues the cuts are unnecessary and amount to a "manufactured crisis", given the university’s £3 billion in net assets. The union has expressed concern over potential compulsory redundancies and warned of devastating impacts on the university and the local economy. A consultative ballot showed strong support for industrial action, with 75% backing strikes and 85% supporting action short of striking.

University principal Prof Peter Mathieson defended the proposed cuts, citing unsustainable financial pressures, partly due to stagnant funding for free tuition for Scottish students and an increasing reliance on international student fees. He also questioned the viability of continued “free” tuition, calling for a rethinking of the funding model.

The ballot runs until 20 May, with the outcome likely influencing whether staff will strike or adopt a “work to rule” approach. The issue reflects wider financial strain across Scotland’s higher education sector, with Dundee University also facing potential job losses and course reductions.