STAFF facing swingeing job cuts at crisis-struck University of Dundee began a fresh round of strike action today.

Bosses at the university announced plans earlier this year to slash the workforce by more than a third, amounting to 700 jobs, as they grappled with a deficit of more than £35 million bequeathed to them by the previous board, which resigned en masse in November. 

Hopes were raised when additional Scottish government cash was funnelled into the institution through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).  

On Scottish government advice, the university announced reduced job losses of 300 under voluntary severance, but bosses have refused to heed ministers’ call to rule out compulsory redundancies.

Now members of the University and College Union (UCU), who have already taken 15 days of strike action in February and March, will strike until Friday in a bid to force a change of heart by university bosses.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Some seven months after first announcing that management failures had led to an unforeseen deficit, the fact that staff are still facing an uncertain future, with management still unwilling to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies, shows the ongoing crisis in the university’s leadership and governance.”

A spokesperson for the Dundee UCU branch added: “The threat of compulsory redundancies is still looming over staff once a voluntary severance scheme closes.

“We call on the employer to abide by the Scottish government’s call to rule out the use of compulsory redundancies and to commit to making any savings through voluntary methods.”

“UCU wants to work for a sustainable future for the university, for students, staff and the city of Dundee, but our members must take a stand against compulsory redundancies.”

A university spokesperson described the action as “extremely disappointing." 

Reiterating its calls to protect jobs, a spokesperson for the Scottish government said: “Ministers appreciate this remains a deeply anxious time for staff at Dundee University.

“Whilst universities are autonomous institutions, we continue to encourage Dundee’s management to protect jobs and engage fully with staff, students and trade unions.

“The Scottish government has provided £25m to the SFC to support universities like Dundee facing immediate financial challenges. 

“Work is also continuing with the SFC on the further development of an alternative financial recovery plan.”