Students turn to private tutors as university strikes cancel lectures

Scottish university students are hiring private tutors as lecturers continue their strike action.

Staff at 15 universities in Scotland are taking part in a two-week strike in protest at pensions, pay and working conditions.

A 1.8% pay increase offer has been described by union leaders as “meagre” and below average public-sector settlements.

The strike follows previous industrial action in November and December and is being backed by NUS Scotland. However, students are turning to private tutors to avoid falling behind.

Tutoring companies are reporting a surge in students approaching them as a result of the strike action.

Dr Leo Evans, director of The Profs tutoring service, said: “In the past week we have had an uptick of about 20% in requests for tutors. Around 15% of all enquiries this week have mentioned the strike.”

The Profs assists 5,000 students across the UK a year, more than 10% of them in Scotland. Dr Evans added: “Students are coming to us in part because of their fear of failure and there is likely an uptick in cases of anxiety and stress related to the lecturer strikes lately.”

Trade unions say that lecturers’ pay has been cut in real terms by more than 20% in the past decade.

A spokesperson for the University and College Union said: “University vice-chancellors and principals have had months to come up with serious offers to avoid widespread disruption.

“Their failings are clear for all to see and the blame for any disruption caused by the strikes lays squarely at their door. Although vice-chancellors and principals are refusing to budge, UCU remains ready to discuss all elements of the disputes and to work towards a resolution.

“We would encourage all students to put pressure on their university principal to get back round the table and talk seriously with us.”

NUS Scotland President Liam McCabe: “Like the unions, we want to see a swift resolution to this industrial action so our university staff can return to where they want to be – their work.”

Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead previously said lecturers’ strikes “will not be in anyone’s interest”.