Job Losses and Compulsory Redundancies at Heriot-Watt University

That the Parliament understands that Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh is seeking to make £9 million of savings from staff costs, and is in a period of voluntary redundancy seeking to lose between 110 and 130 jobs; further understands that, if this target is not met, a programme of compulsory redundancies is proposed; notes the calls on the management at Heriot-Watt University to avoid all compulsory redundancies and protect employees’ terms and conditions, the student experience and learning conditions by ensuring good staff to student ratios and not pursuing job cuts at a critical time in the students’ educational journey; acknowledges the importance of a vibrant teaching and research community to the economic recovery, student learning and future sustainability of the education system in Scotland; notes the view that jobs on Scottish campuses should not be sacrificed to compensate for any financial losses incurred through unsuccessful investments, including in overseas campuses, and further notes the view that any moves towards compulsory redundancies must be immediately halted and that a strategy for a sustainable future for the university must be developed in negotiation with campus trade unions.