Strikes begin over planned job cuts at UHI Executive Office
UCU members are also striking over three days next month
Last updated 30th Oct 2025
Strikes over planned job cuts within the Executive Office of the University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI) got underway today.
In total, four days worth of action is set to take place, with staff also striking on November 5th, November 17th and November 18th.
The dispute relates to the use of compulsory redundancies as UHI management aim to make £3 million worth of savings.
At least 10 people have been served notice regarding compulsory redundancy, with another two currently under consultation.
16 job cuts were initially proposed.
The Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) have outlined how, even at this late stage, it was committed to working with senior management to look at finding solutions, but that compulsory redundancies were a red line.
UCU UHI branch president, Conchúr Ó Giollagáin, said: “Taking strike action is always a last resort, but the strength of feeling against management’s poorly conceived plans have left staff with no choice.
"Staff and students both know that these proposals are harming our students and risking the future of the university.
"We want to work with senior management to resolve this dispute, but for that to happen, we need compulsory redundancies to be taken off the table.”
UCU general secretary, Jo Grady, said: “It's not too late for senior managers at the university to end this strike action and let our members get back to work.
"They need to listen to staff and students, commit to ruling out compulsory redundancies and get back to the negotiating table."
UHI are implementing a savings plan to ensure long-term sustainability to tackle a projected operating deficit of £4.4 million.
Savings totalling £3m are being delivered to reduce the deficit to £1.4m in 2025–26, with the aim of returning to break even by the end of 2026–27.
The £3 million figure compromises of; £1.3 million in increased income, £1.2 million from staff cost proposals and vacancy management and £500,000 from non-staff costs.
The institution have told us their plan ensures that, by the end of 2026-27, they will be operating within its means without drawing further on limited cash reserves.
A UHI spokesperson said: “We have been informed by University and College Union (UCU) that members intend to take industrial action in relation to proposed redundancies within our Executive Office.
"We understand this is a difficult time for colleagues and have held constructive discussions with UCU to explore all possible alternatives.
"Unfortunately, no viable options have been identified that would achieve the level of financial sustainability required.
"Our priority remains supporting staff, maintaining open dialogue, and ensuring students are not affected by any action."