Clarifying claims around meaningful engagement

These statements misrepresent the University’s willingness to engage with unions about our work to address the financial challenges we are facing, and the seriousness with which ongoing discussions are conducted. They also risk undermining our shared aim of resolving the dispute and securing the institution’s future. 

The University has consistently engaged with representatives of all of our recognised unions throughout the cost-saving programme and the current dispute with UCU.

Since August 2025, more than 40 meetings have taken place with the joint unions across the full range of proposals, alongside dedicated sessions with members of the University’s finance team. In addition, written responses have been provided to every request for financial information received.

Unions have had direct access to the institution’s most senior leaders. Most recently, two meetings were held in April that included the Principal of the University and senior leadership of both UCU-Edinburgh and UCU-Scotland. Further meetings are planned in the coming weeks and months.

Where any concerns have been raised, the University has asked for specific examples so that these can be reviewed as a matter of urgency. The University has provided the joint unions with regular opportunities for engagement with staff who are directly involved in designing and developing the proposals for change. There are of course meetings taking place which the joint unions are not invited to. Following these, a regular session has been offered to the joint unions to talk through progress and provide an update on next steps. 

Suggestions that union representatives have not been able to access or scrutinise the University’s financial position are not accurate.

UCUE representatives have had repeated opportunities to meet directly with finance leaders and to engage in detail with the University’s financial position and forecasts. These discussions have been supported by written material and follow-up explanations where required.

The University considers that union representatives have been provided with access to financial information of sufficient depth to allow them scrutinise the position effectively.

Where there has been disagreement, this has not been because of a lack of access to information, but because of the interpretation of that information. In recognition of this, the University has offered further meetings with financial experts to work through the detail and support understanding. This offer remains open.

We believe that the announcement of a marking and assessment boycott from 1 May 2026 represents a significant and unnecessary escalation that unfairly targets our students. It is particularly disappointing that the announcement was made shortly after discussions with senior leaders and when further meetings were already scheduled.

In the numerous town halls, team meetings and engagement sessions the University has held, we have repeatedly heard from staff that there is a desire to conclude the cost-cutting programme as soon as possible and reduce the current period of uncertainty.

The University remains committed to constructive engagement with a view to resolving the dispute. At the same time, it is important that the full extent of the engagement that has already taken place is understood.

This does not change our position: that we must continue the essential cost-saving work to secure the University’s long-term financial sustainability and build resilience, so that our institution can preserve its standing, strength and impact for the future.