Edinburgh Napier University has long been a pillar of education in the city of the Enlightenment. With the current concerns of funding in the sector and student recruitment, it appears that those least secure in employment at the University are going to bear the brunt. As a union we have observed how many Schools are choosing to let go of many of their "guaranteed hours" and fixed term staff while not properly consulting with them. We are aware of members suddenly getting emails to say they will be losing their job as early as July 31st.

Job losses and redundancies not only impact those losing their jobs but also the quality of education and student experience. Edinburgh Napier's teaching is highly regarded in NSS scores and league tables, but we continue to outperform very poor student to staff ratios. Our guaranteed hours staff perform a vital function in maintaining student experience in these times. These are highly valued, experienced staff with advanced knowledge on their subjects who have been supporting our students for a number of years. HESA statistics have shown too that it is women and people of colour who are disproportionately affected by casualisation. 

This petition calls on the university management to reconsider such actions, prioritize the welfare of its most precarious staff and, by extension, the education of its students. The University has already acknowledged that in a number of cases, the policy for dismissing has not been correctly followed. We need the University to show its commitment to staff who have helped the University weather many challenges in HE, including supporting learning through the pandemic. 

Show your support at this crucial time. Sign this petition and back our fight against job losses at Edinburgh Napier University.