EIS and UCU to lobby Scottish Parliament for job cuts moratorium

The demonstration, supported by NUS, will call on the government to meet the funding gap in Scottish higher education and will call for university managers to have a moratorium on cuts while the new funding situation is addressed.

The unions are also calling on MSPs to honour their election commitments to review the management and governance of Scottish universities and colleges.

UCU Scotland President-elect, Gordon Watson, said: "Scottish universities can continue to excel if the government meets its promise to close the funding gap, and puts real pressure on principals to have a moratorium on cuts while the new funding situation is addressed by the cabinet. MSPs should join with us in opposing compulsory redundancies and in calling for a robust review of management and governance at universities."

David Belsey, EIS Further and Higher Education Officer said: "The EIS has concerns regarding the size and speed of cuts in FE and HE teaching budgets, and the damaging legacy they will give to Scottish learners. The EIS also has longstanding concerns regarding governance structures at Universities and Colleges, which need to be more open and accountable to the public which funds them. The EIS trusts that the new cohort of MSPs will listen and act on these concerns."

Notes
*Following the lobby a briefing meeting will take place with MSPs in committee room 1.
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