Lecturers across Scottish universities are mobilizing amid escalating tensions over widespread job cuts and the looming threat of compulsory redundancies. In a series of recent ballots organized by the University and College Union (UCU) Scotland branch, members at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Aberdeen overwhelmingly voted in favor of industrial action, signaling potential walkouts that could disrupt the academic calendar. This development comes as Scottish higher education grapples with a protracted funding crisis, forcing institutions to implement severe cost-saving measures that pit staff security against institutional survival.

Recent Strike Ballots: Overwhelming Support for Action

On February 16, 2026, UCU Scotland announced resounding yes votes from its members at two prominent Scottish universities. At Heriot-Watt University, 74% of voters supported strike action on a robust 70% turnout, while 87% backed action short of a strike (ASOS), such as working strictly to contract or refusing voluntary overtime. Similarly, at the University of Aberdeen, 83% endorsed strikes with 60% participation, and 90% approved ASOS.

These ballots follow a pattern seen at the University of Strathclyde, where on February 9, 80% of UCU members voted yes for action on 58% turnout amid plans for £35 million in savings over two years, affecting around 70 positions initially. UCU branches now have the mandate to call strikes, with members set to decide specific dates and forms of action in consultations over the coming weeks.

Kate Sang, UCU president at Heriot-Watt, emphasized the gravity: "Today's vote shows the strength of feeling against these cuts... The use of compulsory redundancies is unacceptable." At Aberdeen, co-chair Dan Cutts warned that the plans threaten "the student experience, the workforce, and the breadth of research."

Disputes at the Epicenter: Heriot-Watt and Aberdeen in Focus

Heriot-Watt's dispute stems from a management-led 'right-sizing' initiative aimed at trimming courses and programs, resulting in at least 41 proposed job losses across Scottish campuses and 10 in Malaysia. This includes axing the 25-year-old Scholar programme, which delivers vital online learning to Scottish schools, and reductions in protected research time for academics—moves UCU argues will erode the university's research reputation and societal contributions.

At Aberdeen, the 'Adapting for Continuing Success' strategy has already seen over 40 staff depart via voluntary severance or early retirement, yet management refuses to exclude compulsory redundancies. This echoes a 2024 dispute where strikes were averted only after concessions in the modern languages department. An ongoing freeze on academic promotions exacerbates tensions, with UCU criticizing the lack of meaningful engagement. Principal Professor Peter Mathieson stated it would be "irresponsible" to rule out forced exits given the financial pressures.

• Heriot-Watt: Focus on course rationalization and programme closures.
• Aberdeen: Budget realignment post-voluntary exits, promotion halt.
• Common thread: Refusal to commit 'no compulsory redundancies.'

The Root Causes: A Perfect Storm in Scottish Higher Education Funding

Scottish universities are navigating a multifaceted crisis driven by stagnant government funding, plummeting international student numbers, and rising operational costs. Free tuition for Scottish and EU students—coupled with no maintenance grants—leaves institutions heavily reliant on overseas fees, which have declined due to UK visa restrictions, global economic shifts, and competition from other destinations. Universities UK reports institutions cutting early-career researcher funding (18%) and staff research time (18%) to cope.

The Scottish Government's 2026/27 draft budget offers a £55 million uplift—£25 million resource and £30 million capital—but sector leaders deem it insufficient against inflation and prior shortfalls. Universities Scotland warns of a 'funding crisis' threatening free tuition sustainability. Over 12,000 UK university jobs have been cut in the past year, with Scotland acutely affected.

Aberdeen alone shed 443 permanent staff in two years, while Robert Gordon University announced 188 losses tied to enrollment drops.

Photo by Serge Taeymans on Unsplash

Union Demands and Strategies: Protecting Jobs Without Compulsion

UCU Scotland's core demand is straightforward: no compulsory redundancies. The union pushes for voluntary severance schemes, redeployment opportunities, and meaningful consultation. Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary, has urged principals to "sit down to talks and rule out the use of compulsory redundancies." Tactics include ASOS to minimize disruption while pressuring management, alongside public campaigns and parliamentary motions.

In a broader push, UCU rallies against 'corporatisation,' advocating for sustainable funding models that prioritize academic missions over short-term savings. For lecturers facing uncertainty, resources like crafting a strong academic CV can aid transitions.

Management and Government Perspectives: Balancing Books in Tough Times

University leaders argue that without tough measures—including potential compulsory redundancies—institutions risk insolvency, jeopardizing all jobs and student places. Strathclyde eyes £35 million cuts; Heriot-Watt 'right-sizes' to align with market demands. The Scottish Government points to budget constraints amid competing priorities, though a new Future Framework steering group aims to present options by autumn 2026.

Critics like EIS note parallel pressures in colleges, with 22 of 24 running deficits. A balanced view requires increased block grants decoupled from enrollment volatility.

Impacts on Students, Research, and the Sector

Strikes disrupt lectures, seminars, and assessments, delaying graduations and straining student mental health—especially amid rising living costs. Past actions at Dundee and Edinburgh led to marking backlogs; research suffers as projects stall, with early-career academics hit hardest.

• Students: Missed classes, exam delays.
• Research: Lost time, funding cuts.
• Economy: Reduced innovation output.

Long-term, course closures narrow options, particularly in humanities and niche STEM.Explore UK higher ed opportunities

A Timeline of Recent Scottish University Industrial Actions

2025 saw strikes at University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Dundee (five days in November), Edinburgh (£140m cuts), and others like Edinburgh Napier (EIS). 2026 opened with Dundee action in January, Strathclyde ballot in February, and now Heriot-Watt/Aberdeen. Resolutions, like UWS's no-compulsory deal, offer hope.

Photo by Lāsma Artmane on Unsplash

Towards Resolution: Solutions and Future Outlook

Solutions include enhanced Scottish Government funding (e.g., £100m+ annually), diversified revenue via philanthropy and industry ties, and national no-redundancy protocols. The Future Framework could catalyze reforms. For academics, lecturer jobs and higher ed roles remain viable amid mobility.

Optimism lies in past de-escalations; constructive dialogue could avert widespread chaos. Monitor latest higher ed news for updates.

In summary, Scottish university strikes underscore a sector at crossroads. Balancing fiscal reality with workforce protections demands urgent, collaborative action from government, principals, and unions. Aspiring and current academics can prepare via platforms like Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, and career advice.