University staff back strike action

Staff at the University of Stirling have voted to strike in a dispute over job cuts.

80% of UCU members who voted in the ballot decided in favour of industrial action.

175 staff have departed the University through a voluntary redundancy scheme.

A University of Stirling spokesperson said: “The University is disappointed by the outcome of this ballot, which comes as the sector continues to face deep-rooted, structural and sustained external challenges. Our focus continues to be on strengthening the University's long-term financial sustainability.

“We will continue to engage in open and constructive dialogue with the University and College Union, as we prioritise minimising the impact of any potential action on students' learning and teaching.”

A spokesperson for the Stirling UCU branch, said: ' There is no need or justification for more job losses at the university. Before this dispute escalates further we urge Professor McCormac and university senior management to pull back from the brink; revisit their financial strategy and its associated targets, and prioritise the protection of existing jobs at Stirling. If the university can afford to pay its principal well over £400,000 a year, then we can absolutely afford to protect the jobs of the staff who deliver the teaching and research essential to the university's purpose and mission.'

Jo Grady, UCU General Secretary, said: ' Professor Sir Gerry McCormac will enjoy his retirement with a healthy pension while the staff at the university who teach students and carry out world leading research face job insecurity and not knowing if they have a future there. It's time for Professor McCormac to engage with the unions, rule out compulsory redundancies and end this dispute.'