Strike action by UCU at Scottish universities

That this House notes with concern the ongoing industrial action by University and College Union members across key Scottish universities, undertaken in response to long-standing disputes over pay, workload, job security and the erosion of working conditions; recognises that university staff have faced years of below-inflation pay settlements, increasing casualisation, and rising pressures that undermine both staff wellbeing and the quality of education provided to students; further notes that a 2024 report by Universities Scotland found that there had been a 19% cut to resources to teach each Scottish student over the preceding decade, and that Scotland makes the lowest investment in Britain in teaching, at £7,870 per student compared to £10,220 in England; acknowledges the vital contribution made by academic, research and professional services staff to Scotland’s world-leading higher education sector; expresses solidarity with those participating in lawful industrial action at Aberdeen, Dundee, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde universities; condemns the Scottish Government for failing oppose compulsory redundancies; urges the Scottish Government and university employers to return to meaningful negotiations with campus trade unions; and calls on the Scottish Government to support a sustainable, fair and long-term funding settlement for higher education that protects staff, students and the future of the sector.