Staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are inching closer to a formal strike vote amid fears over compulsory redundancies. Unions representing lecturers and support staff have backed industrial action if the university does not guarantee job security.
Rising Tensions as Staff Demand No Compulsory Redundancies
The Education Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Unison recently held consultative ballots among their members at UWS. Results showed overwhelming support for strike action if necessary, with 85% of EIS members and 75% of Unison members ready to move towards a formal ballot.
David Belsey, assistant general secretary of the EIS, made it clear that the message from staff was strong and unmistakable. “The members at UWS have collectively delivered a strong turnout and clear message to the university – no compulsory redundancies,” he said. The unions argue that after rounds of job cuts and limited consultation, staff have reached a breaking point.
UWS employs about 2,000 staff across campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton, London, and its main campus in Paisley, where around 10,000 students study.
Financial Struggles Fuel the Conflict
The university is grappling with significant financial pressures. It reported a £14.4 million deficit for the 2023/24 financial year and anticipates an £8.4 million shortfall for the current year. Senior management hopes to return to surplus by 2026/27, with proposals on cost-cutting measures expected soon.
The unions claim the university has so far refused to guarantee that any job cuts will be voluntary, intensifying staff fears.
A Unison spokesperson said the strong vote reflected members’ “deep concerns about the university’s continued refusal—through official negotiating channels—to commit to a policy of no compulsory redundancies arising from the current organisational change process.”
They added: “This comes despite previous rounds of job cuts, a lack of meaningful consultation, and decisions that appear to bypass the university’s own agreed procedures.”
A Standoff Over Negotiations
UWS has expressed disappointment over the unions’ decision not to engage more fully in ongoing discussions. A university spokesperson said: “We invited the unions to participate fully in the process from the outset – including granting additional facilities time.”
The spokesperson emphasized an “open invitation” remains for the trade unions to return and help shape the university’s future direction. “Given that we would welcome their contribution, we hope that they will reconsider their decision not to engage with us.”
This standoff leaves both sides at an impasse, with strike action looming if talks fail.
What’s Next for UWS Staff and Students?
Union members plan to meet next week to discuss the ballot results and how to move forward. The threat of strikes raises concerns not just for staff but also for the student body, who could face disruption if industrial action proceeds.
The university’s financial woes are a reminder of the wider pressures facing higher education across Scotland and the UK, where many institutions are struggling with budget cuts, inflation, and changing student numbers.
Here’s a brief summary of the current situation:
| Issue | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Deficit | £14.4m deficit (2023/24), £8.4m projected deficit | Pressure to cut costs |
| Staff Response | 85% EIS, 75% Unison in favor of strike action | Heightened industrial tension |
| University’s Position | Open to talks, disappointed by lack of union engagement | Potential for stalled negotiations |
| Student Population | Around 10,000 at Paisley campus | Possible disruption to studies |
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether a strike is averted or if UWS faces significant industrial action for the first time in years.
