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UCU members are protesting £140 million in planned cuts and compulsory redundancies, while the university says it must make difficult decisions to remain financially sustainable.

Published · Sep 28, 2026, 10:34 AMUpdated · Sep 28, 2026, 10:34 AM

About 3,000 University of Edinburgh staff begin five weeks of strike action

Key context

About 3,000 University of Edinburgh staff are beginning five weeks of strike action over planned £140 million cuts and compulsory redundancies. UCU says 1,800 jobs could be cut and is also opposing the proposed closure of 90 programmes; the university says difficult decisions are needed to secure its long-term sustainability.

Section: Politics
Format: SHORT NEWS
Published: Sep 28, 2026, 10:34 AM

About 3,000 University of Edinburgh staff represented by the University and College Union are beginning five weeks of strike action, continuing until October 30, in a dispute over £140 million in cuts and compulsory redundancies.

The action comes as 90 programmes are due to close. UCU claims that 1,800 jobs could be cut and is calling for no compulsory redundancies, an end to cuts affecting fixed-term hourly paid staff, a revised surplus target and greater savings from capital expenditure rather than staff costs.

The university said it was disappointed by the strike and would work to limit its impact on students. Principal Professor Sir Peter Mathieson said using reserves for day-to-day spending was not a responsible long-term solution and that the institution needed a sustainable operating model.

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