A new analysis from the University College Union (UCU) estimates that universities are planning cuts equivalent to 15,000 jobs.
UCU are responding to the risk of compulsory redundancies by balloting to strike across the UK.
This strike would be a response to a proposed 1.4 per cent pay offer from Universities UK, which falls below inflation, representing a 3 per cent real-terms pay cut.
The ballot will be open from 20 October 2025 until 28 November 2025, across 137 campuses.
The proposal of strikes aims to cause “maximum disruption” on campuses across the UK in the new year with an end to provoke an “improved offer.”
The University of Edinburgh itself has announced an attempt to make cuts of £140m, which would result in about 1800 jobs being at considerable risk.
Dr Richard Rawles, senior lecturer of Ancient Greek at Edinburgh and member of UCU Edinburgh, spoke to The Student. Referring to the strikes that took place during Welcome Week, as well as his vote to strike again, he said: “I don’t like striking at all — I am deeply committed to my subject and my students.”
He continued, “By refusing to take compulsory redundancies off the table… the management of the university are leaving us with no alternative.”
The Department of Education told the BBC that the Higher Education sector was facing “serious financial risk” and was taking “tough decisions” to rectify it.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Overpaid vice-chancellors are carrying out brutal cuts and have caused an existential moment for the UK higher education sector.”
This risks students feeling left behind by the university administration.
One student in ECA gave their opinion:“[the cuts] are absolutely shocking… I support the teachers who are striking even though it negatively impacts my education.”
Image “UCU balloon” by secretlondon123 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.