Robert Gordon University (RGU) has made almost 190 staff redundant as it grapples with sustained financial pressures, prompting strike action among academic staff this Thursday. Most departures resulted from voluntary redundancy, but about 18 employees lost their jobs through compulsory means.
Members of the EIS union at RGU will join colleagues at the University of the West of Scotland in industrial action, protesting ongoing threats of compulsory redundancies as both universities seek to cut costs. The EIS union described the losses as short-sighted, warning they would exacerbate workloads for remaining staff and negatively affect local communities and students.
Andrea Bradley, EIS general secretary, stated, “Our members are resolute in their fight to defend their jobs and protect the quality of education at RGU and UWS.
“Staff are being forced to take strike action as neither university has made any attempt to resolve their respective disputes, instead deciding to push forward with plans to make staff redundant.
“These job losses will no doubt have a detrimental impact on local communities, the students who study at these institutions and the colleagues who remain after staff have left or been dismissed.”
Robert Gordon University has reaffirmed its commitment to minimising compulsory redundancies, noting that approximately 10% of the 188 staff departures were not voluntary.
A university spokesperson commented, “The university is continually evolving to meet the needs of our students, staff, and the wider sector. Changes will be approached with care, transparency, and a commitment to minimising impact, guided by our shared goal of long-term sustainability and success.”
The current round of redundancies follows RGU’s announcement last November that 135 roles were at risk due to significant financial challenges. The situation reflects broader concerns within Scotland’s higher education sector, as universities adapt to shifting economic realities.
