We are the University and College Union (UCU) Branch for the University of Glasgow.

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We note the recent statement from the Principal that the budget for 2026-2027, approved at Court this week, anticipates a further programme of cuts. We understand that members will be upset and angered by, and have questions about, the Principal’s stance.

UCUG believes these cuts are a political (management) choice, not a financial necessity. Our independent financial review shows that the University of Glasgow remains in a strong financial position and spends a smaller proportion of its total expenditure on staff than most other Russell Group institutions. At a time when the University has the resources to invest in its workforce, explore other sources of income and cut down on planned capital spend, management has instead chosen a path of cuts.

We wish to be clear with members: we reject any claim that the University needs to attack jobs, career progression and working conditions to make ends meet.

We also wish to put on record that we regret the lack of clarity in the Principal’s email given the severity of the message he communicated yesterday. We would like to clarify our understanding of what the University plans to implement:

• A year-long pause in academic promotion: this will affect those who were intending to apply for promotion to any grade up to Grade 10 in the coming year. Decisions for those who already applied for promotion will be communicated by the end of this month as usual.
• Professorial rezoning: existing professors who wish to voluntarily apply for a higher salary zone will be permitted to do so. This is distinct from the mandatory rezoning exercise imposed this past year, over which UCUG remains in dispute with the University.
• A voluntary severance scheme, to open in August, whose terms the University has not yet shared with UCUG or our sister unions.
• Potential additional cuts: the Principal’s statement indicates that further cuts may be planned, although details have not yet been shared with staff or trade unions.

These measures are not inevitable. They are the result of decisions made by senior management, and they can be challenged and reversed.

We have faced several years of silent cuts, and we are drawing a line. It is time to unite together with our students and our sister unions to say enough is enough.