Created on: 18 Dec 2025
Edinburgh Napier staff warn of risk to student experience as threat of compulsory redundancies continue.
In the weeks before Christmas, Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) staff face continued uncertainty over job security, with the institution now moving toward compulsory redundancies of staff after a targeted round of voluntary exits.
Cuts are expected to affect both academic and professional services staff, including those in areas directly supporting teaching, mental health, disability services and student retention.
University leadership initially identified up to 70 posts for reduction in August 2025. After voluntary redundancies were encouraged and accepted, the figure decreased substantially, yet 10–15 roles are expected to be cut in early 2026. Staff unions have raised concerns that compulsory redundancies are proceeding without published workload modelling or equality impact assessments, and despite core income streams remaining stable.
Concerns centre not only on job losses, but on the absence of documented plans showing how remaining staff will absorb duties without detriment to students. Staff representatives argue the institution cannot demonstrate that teaching quality, assessment turnaround, supervision, or student support will be maintained with fewer people.
EIS branch and national officials met with representatives from Edinburgh Napier Student Association (ENSA) recently to share concerns over the proposed cuts. We encourage students at ENU to use the link: Support our No Compulsory Redundancies Fight at Edinburgh Napier University | Megaphone UK to sign our petition. Let’s fight these cuts together!
Dr Nick Cimini, branch secretary of EIS-ULA at Edinburgh Napier, said:
“These job cuts are totally unnecessary and unjustified. Edinburgh Napier remains financially stable and has already seen a significant reduction through voluntary redundancy. If compulsory cuts go ahead without a transparent workload plan, students will inevitably feel the impact.”
Dr Holly Patrick-Thomson, EIS-ULA National President, added:
“Government must ensure that staffing reductions do not undermine student learning, wellbeing, or support. Students deserve continuity, and staff deserve clarity and fair process.”
The EIS has stated that industrial action remains likely if compulsory redundancies continue without full disclosure of financial rationale, workload modelling or equality assessment.
Staff and students are the heart of any university; ENU students and staff deserve the best experience of work and study. Please sign our petition and share.