Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh are set to implement a marking and assessment boycott (MAB) from 1 May, a move that could leave a significant number of students without final grades and potentially result in “unclassified” degrees. This escalation marks the latest development in a protracted dispute between the university and its University and College Union (UCU) Edinburgh branch over planned budget cuts totalling £140 million and the potential loss of up to 1,800 jobs.
The industrial action, described by the union as a last resort, follows a ballot held on 1 April 2026, where 88% of the 55% of members who participated voted in favour of strike action, with 94% supporting action short of a strike, which includes the marking boycott. This renewed mandate for action comes after an earlier agreement struck in December 2025 collapsed. Under that deal, the university had committed to no compulsory redundancies before April 28, 2026, in exchange for the union’s pledge against further industrial action.
However, UCU Edinburgh announced further strike action in March 2026, alleging that the university had failed to uphold its commitments by not engaging meaningfully in consultations and refusing to definitively rule out compulsory redundancies in the long term.
The university, conversely, “strongly refute[s] recent baseless statements made by UCUE about the actions we are taking to reshape and protect the long-term future of our university, and we do not believe further escalation is necessary as constructive discussions have taken place,” as stated in an email by James Saville, the University’s Director of Human Resources.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, expressed deep disappointment regarding the union’s decision:
“We are profoundly disappointed, disheartened and frustrated that UCU Edinburgh members have again voted in favour of purposefully targeting our students with a marking and assessment boycott.”
“We believe that this action is completely unjustifiable and will add unnecessary strain on our students during an already challenging and important time.”
The university maintains that it is committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies “where possible”. In communications to staff and students, the university has outlined contingency plans.
James Saville, in an email to staff, noted: “We will take all practical steps to keep exams and coursework submissions on track to support our students’ ability to progress and graduate. We are enacting contingency plans to mitigate significant disruption to the delivery of learning and teaching, assessment, progression and student experience, whilst maintaining academic standards.”
In Case You Missed It:
A spokesperson for UCU Edinburgh countered the university’s position, stating that members “care deeply about students and their education. None of us has taken the decision to undertake a marking and assessment boycott (MAB) lightly.” The union argues its action is “to prevent the harm that further staff cuts could inflict on our university, and to preserve the conditions for research and education in the future, as we believe that management’s plans are seriously endangering them.”
The union also criticised the university’s announcement of “punitive 100% pay deductions on our members who decide to engage in the MAB,” which they described as “an effective lock-out of our members who are engaging in legitimate industrial action.”
Previous marking boycotts at the university have resulted in students graduating without their final marks, leading to unclassified degrees. The Edinburgh University Students’ Association has expressed support for staff’s right to industrial action while prioritising student welfare and calling for “meaningful dialogue” between the university and UCU Edinburgh.
