Dundee University academics defend marking boycott

Dundee University academics have defended their threat to boycott marking the work of students.

The industrial action, due to be implemented nationally from April 28 as part of a pay dispute, has been criticised by student representatives, who are worried about its impact on those sitting exams or submitting coursework.

Janice Aitken, branch president of the University and College Union (UCU), said: “As with all industrial action, it is not taken lightly and we hope sincerely that the marking boycott does not have to go ahead.”

The union appreciated student association members who signed an open letter believed they were acting with the interests of students in mind.

However, their approach was “short-sighted and naive” and was out of step with the National Union of Students, whose Scottish president had expressed support for the UCU’s action.

“Despite this unfortunate statement by a vocal minority, we hope that the majority of students in the university agree with students across the country and support us in our fight for their future and the future of education,” Ms Aitken said.