Statement from the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association on the upcoming strikes by University & College Union (UCU) members, October 2025
As UHI’s student representatives, we recognise the significant potential impact that the planned industrial action by UHI UCU branch members is likely to have on the studies of some UHI students. As the voice of UHI students, we are urging the university to do everything in its power to reach an agreement with UCU to avert industrial action and to minimise any disruption to the academic experience.
We understand the reasons that UCU has decided to strike and are disappointed that UHI’s financial position has led to a proposal for compulsory redundancies without first offering another round of voluntary severance or considering all other options.
HISA student leaders are actively engaging in discussions with Trade Unions and UHI’s Senior Management Team to ensure that decisions made are in the best interest of our student body, to make the impact on student outcomes clear and to explore alternative options.
HISA is ready to support students both collectively and individually, through elected officers and our impartial advice Advice Service (uhi.ac.uk, Contact Us).
We remain hopeful that constructive dialogue between UHI and UCU will lead to a resolution on this matter that minimises the impact on students. We also call on the Scottish Government to properly fund colleges and universities and prevent the constant cost cutting and job losses we are seeing across the sector which will have a huge impact on students. Investing in further and higher education supports economic growth and improves life outcomes and the Government should prioritise it before it is too late.
Highlands and Islands Students Association Executive Committee 2025/26