Lecturers and support staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) are preparing to vote on potential strike action after ongoing disputes over compulsory redundancies and the university’s financial struggles.
Tensions Rise Over Proposed Redundancies
Unions representing staff at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have opened ballots for strike action, raising concerns about the future of jobs amid the university’s ongoing financial challenges. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Unison launched their indicative ballots on Thursday, following a dispute that began in March over UWS’s organisational changes.
The key issue at the heart of the dispute is the university’s refusal to guarantee that no compulsory redundancies will occur as part of its restructuring process. The unions argue that this stance could lead to job losses that would severely impact staff, students, and the wider communities in which the university operates.
Dr. Catherine Clark, the EIS deputy branch secretary, expressed her concerns about the potential impact on both staff and students. “We have really worried members,” Clark said, adding, “This is real life impact, not just for our members, but for students as well.”
Financial Struggles and Staffing Cuts
UWS is facing significant financial difficulties, similar to many institutions in the higher education sector. The university reported a deficit of £14.4 million for the 2023/24 academic year and has forecast a £8.4 million shortfall for the current financial year. Despite this, the unions are urging the university to utilize its financial reserves to avoid layoffs.
Unison’s representative argued that UWS, which is said to have “healthy financial reserves,” should use these funds to safeguard jobs in uncertain times. “Despite repeated calls from Unison to remove the threat of compulsory redundancies, UWS management has refused,” said the union, stressing that the university’s refusal to rule out layoffs is a point of serious concern for staff.
A spokesperson for the university responded to the growing unrest, acknowledging the challenges posed by the institution’s finances but emphasizing the broader context of the higher education sector’s difficulties. “In common with the rest of the higher education sector in Scotland and across the UK, UWS is operating in a very challenging financial environment,” said the spokesperson, citing external factors that have contributed to a shift in the size and makeup of its student population.
The Changing Landscape of Scottish Higher Education
The student population at UWS, which has campuses in Ayr, Dumfries, Lanarkshire, London, and Paisley, has seen significant changes in recent years. With a student headcount of 21,000 in the 2023/24 academic year, UWS is grappling with a shift in demand for higher education, partly due to demographic changes and evolving patterns in student enrolment.
The university is not alone in facing such challenges. Many higher education institutions across Scotland and the UK are seeing declines in student numbers or changes in the type of courses being pursued. This has led to financial pressures, with many universities restructuring and finding new ways to operate efficiently in a shifting academic environment.
The proposed strike action is also a reflection of broader concerns about the future of Scottish universities, particularly as they face increased competition, changes in student demographics, and tightening financial resources.
A University in Crisis
The financial strain facing UWS is not an isolated issue. The university’s deficit, coupled with the pressure to adjust to a rapidly changing higher education landscape, has put significant strain on its operations. Senior management is hopeful that by 2026/27, the university will return to a surplus, but plans for achieving this goal have yet to be fully outlined.
A spokesperson for UWS said that the ongoing work with unions to shape the university’s future direction remains a priority. “There remains an open invitation for the recognised trade unions to return and contribute to the ongoing work to shape the future direction of the university,” the spokesperson added.
Despite the efforts made by management to address the concerns raised by unions, the ballots for strike action will close soon. The EIS vote will close on May 9, while Unison’s vote will close on May 15. The outcome of these ballots could have a significant impact on the university’s operations in the coming months.
