Dundee University accused of 'misleading staff' amid ongoing strike

The interim principal of Dundee University has rejected accusations that he misled staff about the threat of compulsory redundancies.

Staff at the University of Dundee have begun a week-long strike amid growing anger over job cuts and claims that management misled employees about the threat of compulsory redundancies.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) walked out on November 10, marking one year since the university’s financial crisis was made public.

The action will continue until November 14, with staff also taking part in action short of a strike, including working to contract, refusing to cover for absent colleagues, and halting voluntary duties.

The dispute centres on the university’s restructuring plans, which union representatives say have led to the loss of hundreds of jobs.

Nearly 300 members of staff have taken voluntary redundancy ahead of the new term, as the institution attempts to reduce its costs.

Andy Swiffin worked at the university for over 40 years. STV News

Among those leaving is Andy Swiffin, who had worked at the university for more than four decades.

“On October 1, I would have been starting my 45th year,” he said.

“Well, I think it’s just a shambles. The lack of truth that’s coming out, the lack of information about what happened and the way they want to eviscerate the university, not make it recover, but take the heart out of it. It really grieves me.

“How do you think getting rid of a third of staff can leave us with a sustainable university?”

The UCU has accused university leadership of misleading staff, saying employees were led to believe that redundancies would remain voluntary after the university received millions of pounds in government funding to stabilise its finances.

Dundee University Interim Principal Professor Nigel Seaton. STV News

However, interim principal professor Nigel Seaton has rejected the accusation, insisting the institution must take difficult decisions to remain viable.

“It’s not primarily about reducing staffing levels, it’s about reducing the costs of running the university,” he said.

“We’re not sustainable, and we have to address that. We will have to operate more efficiently in the future, and I’m confident we can do that.”

Union representatives say morale among staff is at an all-time low, with many expressing concern about the university’s long-term future and its ability to deliver the same level of support to students.

“It’s really taken its toll on people,” one staff member said.

“Colleagues are doing their best to support students, but it’s becoming harder and harder to find the right person who can give the right support.”

The strike is the latest in a series of actions by university staff across Scotland, as the sector continues to grapple with funding pressures, rising costs, and restructuring efforts aimed at cutting expenditure.