Dundee University staff to hold five-week strike

The university said in June that it still needed to make annual savings of about £20m, mostly from staff costs.

It first announced a potential £30m deficit in November 2024 and “inevitable” job cuts.

Dundee City Council leaders recently wrote to the Scottish government urging ministers to prevent further job losses at the university.

The letter, signed by all four political groups on the council, asked ministers to “identify every possible option” and consider additional financial support.

The letter highlighted potential closure of facilities, including the Botanic Garden, and said the cuts had implications for Dundee’s economy and wider community.

The Scottish government provided £40m in emergency funding to the university last year.

A Dundee University spokesperson said it was disappointed at the length of the strike action.

The spokesperson said: “This remains a profoundly difficult time for members of our community.

While we recognise the right to strike, this action will do nothing to help build a sustainable future for the university.”

The university said most staff would be working as normal and it expected most classes and student contact time to proceed.

The spokesperson added: “We want to work constructively with the trade unions and have been in regular discussion with them, including on the ongoing collective consultation process.

“We would encourage Dundee UCU to continue to participate in our consultation process, during which important discussions about our proposals for change are instrumental to meaningful engagement with all of our recognised trade unions and our staff.”