Aberdeen University strikes to continue after talks fail

Strike action by staff at Aberdeen University is set to go ahead later this week after talks aimed at ending an ongoing dispute over cuts failed to reach an agreement.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) are to walkout on Wednesday and continue to strike until the end of the week, before further action next week.

Staff are angry over restructuring plans, a refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies and pausing recruitment to some courses.

During talks, the university rejected a UCU proposal calling for compulsory redundancies to be taken off the table for six months. Both sides have described the situation as "disappointing".

The latest action forms part of 10 days of strikes by UCU members that started on Monday.

The university said while it could not rule out compulsory redundancies, it would do everything it could to avoid it.

A spokesperson said: "We met with UCU representatives but disappointingly fell short of mutual agreement.

"We remain unable to rule out compulsory redundancy, however have committed to prioritising every possible voluntary measure in seeking to avoid these."

Dan Cutts, UCU Aberdeen co-chair, said: "By rejecting our proposal to guarantee job security for six months, senior management have put staff livelihoods and the student experience at risk.

"Throughout this period, we have consistently demonstrated our willingness to engage constructively and resolve this dispute.

"We will oppose these destructive plans at every stage, using every means available to defend our members, protect jobs, and safeguard the student experience."

The university reopened a voluntary severance and early retirement scheme last year in a bid to find £5.5m in savings.

It also froze recruitment, and asked departments to identify other measures to save money.

The university recently confirmed 41 people took up an offer of a severance package or early retirement.

Elsewhere, Edinburgh University announced £140m of cuts to tackle financial difficulties, while the Scottish government bailed out Dundee University with £40m of emergency funding.

The Scottish government has said it wants a "successful and sustainable future" for higher education.