UCU members have overwhelmingly voted to continue strike action against job cuts at Heriot-Watt University.

The dispute was sparked after bosses outlined plans to cut 51 jobs, refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies, leading to a strike ballot in May and 12 days of industrial action since, the latest being on Monday.

Confirming the reballot to renew the mandate and continue the action, required under anti-trade union laws, had won 70 per cent backing, UCU branch president Kate Sang said: “The strength of the result shows that members are as determined as ever to protect jobs and to stop management’s use of unfair compulsory redundancies.  

“It’s not too late though for them to agree to meet with us, to finally rule out compulsory redundancies and to end this dispute and the possibility of disruption for students coming to Heriot-Watt University in the new term.”

Welcoming the result, UCU general secretary Jo Grady added: “The new principal, when she takes up post next month, needs to make a fresh start, rule out compulsory redundancies and bring this dispute to an end.”

A Heriot-Watt University spokesperson said: “Like other universities, we are operating in the context of significant financial challenges facing the sector.

“To safeguard our long-term financial sustainability, we are taking measured and evidence-based action to ensure that our resources are aligned with an academic portfolio that is relevant, academically strong and financially sustainable.

“We have worked closely with the trade unions to resolve the dispute but fully respect their right to seek a mandate for strike action.

“The University proposed deferring compulsory redundancies and reducing the number of reductions as part of a broader package to resolve the dispute, which UCU has not accepted.

“The University has already achieved most of the required reductions through voluntary measures, including not filling vacancies, voluntary leaver packages, reductions in working hours, and redeployment and are working towards a total remaining staff reduction of fewer than 10.

“We remain willing to continue discussions and will now consider the next steps needed to ensure our programmes remain academically strong, properly resourced and financially sustainable.”