UCU members at the University of Aberdeen will press ahead with eight days strike action from tomorrow after management refused to offer guarantees on job security.

Lecturers at the institution embarked on the dispute after the university announced plans to slash £12 million in spending while refusing to offer assurances there would be no compulsory redundancies.

UCU organised 10 days of strike action last month, but offered to suspend the latest round in return for six months of job security to enable further talks, an offer management refused.

Arguing the rejection put staff livelihoods and the student experience at risk, UCU Aberdeen co-chairman Dan Cutts said: “We have consistently demonstrated our willingness to engage constructively and resolve this dispute.  

“We will oppose these destructive plans at every stage, using every means available to defend our members, protect jobs, and safeguard the student experience.”

The University of Aberdeen said: “We met with UCU representatives yesterday but disappointingly fell short of mutual agreement.

“We remain unable to rule out compulsory redundancy, however have committed to prioritising every possible voluntary measure in seeking to avoid these.”