Members of the Educational Institute of Scotland University Lecturers Association (EIS-ULA) at Edinburgh Napier University have voted to strike, after 93 per cent voted in favour of strike action.
The strikes are due to take place in two parts across ten days, starting on 10 February 2026, with seven dates in February and three in March.
Edinburgh Napier University Principal, Professor Sue Rigby, wrote to staff in August 2025, warning them about the cost-cutting measures that would be implemented due to concerns for the sustainability of university funding in Scotland.
This included proposals to cut up to 70 jobs and introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme.
Disputes between staff and the university began to grow after the university, having already achieved significant savings through the voluntary redundancies, began pushing for further cuts in “early 2026.”
The EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley emphasised how strike action is a “last resort” and a result of staff being “left with no alternative.”
EIS-ULA’s branch secretary, Nick Cimini, said: “These job cuts are totally unnecessary and unfair … Edinburgh Napier University remains financially sound, with healthy reserves and no debt.”
Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association clarified to students: “While the University will remain open, some of your classes may be affected.”
EIS commented: “The institution [is] now moving toward compulsory redundancies of staff after a targeted round of voluntary exits.
“Cuts are expected to affect both academic and professional services staff, including those in areas directly supporting teaching, mental health, disability services and student retention.”
“Edinburgh Napier University, Craiglockhart – geograph.org.uk – 3959575” by Leslie Barrie is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.