Amended Motion 27
Crisis in Post-16 Education
“That this Congress notes the continued underfunding by the Scottish Government of both the Scottish higher education and further education sectors. Government funding covers just half the cost of supporting a student and visa requirements have reduced postgraduate income.
“Low paid ancillary workers are offered insulting wage increases, with unions having to ballot every year. Meanwhile, principals’ salaries soar.
“Congress notes the importance of the higher education sector to communities and the economy, with research showing the sector in Scotland directly employs 36,850 people, supports an additional 36,050 jobs and adds £4.6billion to the Scottish economy.
“Congress notes that over half of Scottish universities are in the process of, or have recently made, financial cuts and made staff redundant, including through compulsory redundancies.
“Congress recognises that there are external factors impacting universities running costs and ability to recruit students, but notes that the current funding and jobs crisis in Scottish higher education is underpinned by Scottish Government underfunding.
“Congress believes the cause of the crisis is the decade of underinvestment into Scottish higher education, which saw funding per student falling by 39% in real terms and the SFC research excellence grant fall by 43% since 2014/15.
“Congress recognises that the impact of these cuts is jobs being lost, courses being cut, and less research carried out across the sector.
“Congress cautiously welcomes the Scottish Government and Universities Scotland’s establishment of a joint review of the sustainability of Scottish higher education and encourages full representation of all trade unions in the review’s work and at the steering group.
“Congress condemns the financial cuts made by Scottish universities and the consequent jobs lost in the sector.
“Congress calls:
- on the Scottish Government to fully fund post-16 education in Scotland including Scottish higher education; and
- for the higher education funding review to ensure that staff jobs, students, and educational provision are protected with the review focusing on fully funding the sector rather than seeking cuts and savings and commits to the STUC General Council contributing to the review in these terms. It should also consider capping principals’ incomes.”
Mover: University and College Union (UCU)
Seconder: Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS)
Supporter: Fife Trades Union Council
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