Scottish Government urged to intervene over Dundee University job cuts

The Scottish Government has been urged to intervene as "unacceptable" job cuts take place at the University of Dundee

Hundreds of staff and students attended the protest. <i>(Image: NQ)</i>

(Image: NQ)

The Scottish Government has been urged to intervene as "unacceptable" job cuts take place at the University of Dundee.

The troubled institution, which had to be bailed out by Holyrood due to a financial crisis, is aiming to cut more than 150 jobs.

Staff are striking in protest at Dundee University failing to rule out compulsory redundancies, and as reported by The Courier the head of the STUC, Roz Foyer, has demanded crisis talks between the Dundee UCU branch, First Minister John Swinney and education minister Màiri McAllan.

Ms Foyer wrote: "The cuts being administered down to the staff and wider institution of Dundee University are unacceptable, detrimental and wholly inexcusable.

Read More:

  • Scots islands face depopulation crisis amidst ferry problems
  • The SNP has a problem it can no longer dodge if it wants independence
  • Scottish Government to abandon 12-week orthopaedic target, leaked NHS plan reveals

“Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have engaged within five weeks of continuous strike action, seeking to defend their jobs, livelihoods and protecting the very integrity of both their institution and Scottish higher education.

“Despite the welcome intervention from the Scottish Government in providing a rescue package for the university, the dearth of leadership and strategic thought at an institutional level cannot be overlooked.

“Hollow promises from university management to learn lessons of the past and to seek an alternative to cuts have not materialised.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government fully appreciates the concerns of staff, students and the wider community regarding the University of Dundee’s plans to achieve financial sustainability.

“While the University is responsible for its own strategic and operational decisions, we expect staff, students and trade unions to be consulted meaningfully on its plans in line with fair work principles.

“Compulsory redundancies should only be considered as a last resort, after all other cost-saving measures have been fully explored.

“Ministers have engaged regularly with DUCU since the financial crisis at the University emerged in 2024.”