LECTURERS at the University of Edinburgh have overwhelmingly backed strike action as bosses continue to refuse to rule compulsory redundancies out of their cuts plans.

University principal Professor Sir Peter Mathieson announced plans earlier this year to slash £140 million from the budget, cuts the University and Colleges Union (UCU) say are unprecedented in the sector, sparking fears of compulsory redundancies.

Management at the university have repeatedly refused to allay those fears, despite about 350 staff agreeing to voluntary redundancy since the announcement, prompting the UCU ballot for industrial action.

Announcing that 84 per cent of members have now backed a strike on a 60 per cent turnout, UCU general secretary Jo Grady warned: “Edinburgh University is hugely respected, with a hard-won reputation for academic excellence.

“The principal now needs to heed the repeated warnings given by staff and reverse these cuts, or he’s going to go down as the man who took a wrecking ball to the university’s 500-year history and left it in a worse state than when he was appointed.”

Branch president Sophia Woodman added: “This vote is a clear message from members to university management that they need to think again.

“The ballot result is a mandate for industrial action, and to oppose job cuts and the use of compulsory redundancies.

“We want to work with senior management to build a sustainable future, but we need compulsory redundancies to be taken off the table. 

“Staff are angry and ready to fight to defend the future of teaching and research at Edinburgh, which are currently at risk from these damaging proposals.”

The University of Edinburgh was contacted for comment.