Industrial Action 2025

University and College Union Edinburgh (UCUE) has a mandate for industrial action from a ballot that closed in May 2025. The mandate is for both strike action and action short of a strike, regarding the University not ruling out compulsory redundancies.

Statement from the Principal - November 2025

"As part of ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute, my senior team and I have held several meetings with the University and College Union Edinburgh (UCUE). It remains our position that, wherever possible, we will seek to avoid compulsory redundancies. It is also important that we protect our students and staff from further disruption, while fulfilling our responsibility to secure the University’s long-term financial stability. 

We have recently put forward a fair and carefully considered offer. This includes a proposal, in line with UCUE’s request, that there would be no compulsory redundancies through our cost-saving programme before July 2026. 

At a time when responsible action is required to safeguard our University’s future, we stand ready to  continue negotiations with UCUE and reach a sustainable solution."

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor

The University of Edinburgh

Strike Action November 2025

UCU members have voted to take strike action on the following dates:

• 17, 18 and 19 November 2025 

The University will enact contingency plans to mitigate disruption to the delivery of learning and teaching, and student experience whilst maintaining academic standards.

A dedicated webpage is available for students with up-to-date information on the industrial action. 

A dedicated staff Industrial Action SharePoint site containing useful information and the online declaration form is available to support staff.

Information for Staff

If you choose to participate in the industrial action, either by taking strike action, or by choosing not to cross the picket line, you will be required to complete and submit an online declaration form, confirming your participation. 

The declaration form will be available on the staff Industrial Action SharePoint site from 9 am on Monday 17 November 2025 to cover the strike action. The form must be completed on your return to work and at the latest by Friday 5 December 2025..