University lecturers at the University of Edinburgh have launched a marking and assessment boycott, escalating a long-running dispute over planned £140 million in budget cuts that threaten up to 1,800 jobs. Members of the University and College Union (UCU), the primary trade union for academic and related staff in UK higher education, began refusing to grade exams, assessments, invigilate tests, or process marks from early May 2026. This action, backed by an overwhelming member vote, marks a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict, which has already seen multiple strikes and ballots over the past 13 months.
The boycott comes amid broader financial pressures gripping UK universities, where declining international student numbers, frozen domestic tuition fees, and rising operational costs have pushed many institutions into projected deficits totaling £1.6 billion for 2025-26. For Edinburgh, a globally renowned research powerhouse, the cuts represent a stark response to what management describes as "severe financial difficulties," despite recent accounts showing a £44.7 million surplus for 2024-25 and net assets exceeding £3.1 billion.
Understanding the Marking Boycott
A marking boycott, or Marking and Assessment Boycott (MAB), is a form of industrial action where academic staff withhold grading and related duties. At Edinburgh, it encompasses all forms of assessment marking—written, online, or in-person—as well as exam supervision and administrative tasks like result processing. Unlike full strikes, it targets core academic functions, directly affecting student progression and degree awards.
UCU members voted 88% in favor of further strikes over the coming year, underscoring deep frustration. The union describes the action as a "last resort" after failed negotiations, with branch president Sophia Woodman stating, "No-one wants to take part in a marking boycott but we've been forced into this by the inaction and unwillingness of management."
- Scope: All summative assessments during exam season.
- Duration: Indefinite, until demands met.
- Previous precedent: 2023 national MAB affected 145 universities and one-third of final-year undergraduates.
Roots of the Financial Crisis at Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh first signaled the £140 million savings target in February 2025, citing a confluence of pressures: a sharp drop in international student recruitment due to UK visa restrictions, escalating pension liabilities (particularly Teachers' Pension Scheme costs), and inflationary rises in energy, staffing, and infrastructure maintenance. Despite a £44.7 million surplus in 2024-25—up from prior years—the institution projects ongoing deficits without intervention, aiming for sustainability by 2026-27 through staff reductions, cost controls, and capital reviews.
Critics, including UCU, highlight the university's robust balance sheet: £3.1 billion in net assets, substantial cash reserves (£500 million+), and property sales (e.g., two student blocks listed for £5 million). Union reps argue these resources could buffer cuts, accusing management of prioritizing surplus targets over staff security.
UCU's Core Demands and Strategy
UCU's demands are clear: an unequivocal commitment to no compulsory redundancies, transparent consultation on savings, and deployment of reserves to protect jobs and education quality. General Secretary Jo Grady emphasized, "Peter Mathieson could end this dispute tomorrow if he wanted but instead he's prepared to let students suffer."
The strategy builds on prior actions—strikes in recent months, including early 2026—and echoes the 2023 national campaign. With 88% member support for escalated action, UCU eyes a "year of disruption" if unresolved, pressuring Scottish Government intervention ahead of elections.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
University Management's Stance
Principal Sir Peter Mathieson labeled the boycott "completely unjustifiable" and a breach of contract, promising 100% pay deductions for participants—deemed "punitive" by UCU. Management insists cuts are essential for long-term viability, framing staff action as pitting academics against students during a pivotal exam period.
In response, contingency plans include alternative invigilation and processing, though disruptions loom. Mathieson noted, "Students will understandably have very real concerns about the disruption this boycott will cause."
Impacts on Students and Precedents
Students face delayed results, progression holds, and graduation uncertainties—echoing 2023's MAB, where one-third of 500,000 final-year undergrads awaited marks, some receiving "empty" certificates. A 2024 Office for Students report found 56% of affected students concerned, rising to 70% for finalists; 2026 risks similar visa, job, and postgraduate delays for internationals.
Student voices vary: some back staff (e.g., "lecturers deserve support amid cuts"), others fear outcomes. OfS student insight highlights mental health strains from limbo.
The Wider UK Higher Education Funding Squeeze
Edinburgh exemplifies a sector-wide crisis: Office for Students projects 72% of providers in deficit by 2025-26 (£1.6bn total), driven by frozen £9,250 fees (real-terms cut 20%+ since 2012), 30% intl enrollment drop from visas, and 40% cost inflation. Universities UK estimates £3.7bn policy-induced shortfall.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Intl student visas | £1bn+ revenue loss |
| Pension rises | £500m sector-wide |
| Fee freeze | 25% real cut |
Govt urged reserves use, but fire-and-rehire ban (2027) looms.
Actions Spreading to Other Universities
Essex: Strikes over campus closures, VC no-confidence. Solent: 5-day strikes vs. subsidiary pensions (357 staff). Goldsmiths: MAB looms over £22m cuts. Sector trackers show 105 unis cutting jobs, 50 at closure risk.
THE reports bitter pension/job rows proliferating.
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Path Forward: Resolutions and Reforms
Resolution hinges on dialogue: UCU seeks govt pressure on reserves; unis demand policy fixes (fees, visas). Precedents show ballots/MAB force concessions, but prolonged action risks sector damage.
For academics eyeing stability, lecturer jobs remain vital amid flux. Explore paths to lecturing.
Outlook for UK Higher Education
2026 forecasts mergers, online shifts, skills focus. Positive: intl recovery potential, AI efficiencies. But without reform—rising fees, funding uplift—disputes persist, eroding quality. Stakeholders urge balanced sustainability protecting staff/students.
For HE careers, monitor UK hiring trends.
