Campaign and petition email responses

Statement on UCU Strike Action

The Scottish Government has no role to intervene in this dispute, as universities are autonomous institutions, and matters relating to pay, working conditions and pensions are for them to determine.

The Scottish Government will continue to work closely with all parties to ensure there is a coherent process with constructive conversations on both sides. The Scottish Minister for Higher & Further Education, Youth Employment & Training has met with both Universities Scotland and striking unions, to encourage them to continue with the current negotiations in an attempt to resolve this situation.

Central to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work approach is the expectation that employers, workers and trades unions should work together to reach the right decisions and ensure workers are treated fairly.

The 2022-23 budget was extremely challenging as Ministers and the Cabinet were faced with multiple priorities to fund due to the effects of Covid-19.

However, budget settlements have been provided to FE and HE which balance the needs of the sectors and students with affordability in relation to the range of SG priorities. The Budget allocates nearly £2bn to Scotland’s universities and colleges delivering high quality education and training.

Scotland’s lecturers provide a world class service to Scotland’s students, and it is the sincere hope of the Scottish Government and the SNP that an equitable agreement can be reached that rewards their work, while maintaining financial viability.