UHI Fair Work Statement 2026

Fair Work First is the Scottish Government’s flagship policy for driving high quality and fair work across the labour markets in Scotland by applying fair work criteria to grants, other funding and contracts being awarded by and across the public sector, where it is relevant to do so. 

This statement has been developed and agreed between the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and our recognised trade union, University and College Union (UCU), to demonstrate the action being take by the university in alignment with the Scottish Government's Fair Work principles.

Living Wage

The university is committed to paying the Real Living Wage and reviews its salary structures on a yearly basis to ensure that that no staff member is paid below that level.

Use of appropriate channels to enable effective colleague voice

The university provides a range of mechanisms to support meaningful two-way dialogue with colleagues across the institution. These include:

• Formal trade union engagement: The university formally recognises UCU for the purposes of collective bargaining and consultation on a range of matters. The Joint Negotiation and Consultation Committee (JNCC) meets throughout the year, bringing together senior leaders and trade union representatives to engage in ongoing dialogue.
• Facility time: Facility time is provided to enable trade union representatives to effectively carry out their duties and activities.
• Internal communications: A variety of internal communication channels are used to keep colleagues informed and engaged, including weekly news updates, the Principal’s bulletin, all-staff meetings, departmental meetings, and finance-focused sessions.
• Staff representation: The university supports a staff committee that provides a collective voice across a range of areas, including participation in the Employee Experience Working Group, which focuses on improving the working environment for staff.
• Staff survey: A staff survey is currently in development to further strengthen colleague engagement and inform future initiatives.

Zero hours contracts

The university only deploys zero hours contracts for appropriate and very specific reasons or if the colleague has requested them.

Investment in workforce development

The university continues to support workforce development through a range of activities including investment in learning and teaching development and a recent agreement to provide staff with professional development time during each academic year.

Gender pay gap

The university reports and publishes an annual gender pay gap report that outlines the key actions we are taking to address the gap.

Fire and rehire

The university does not engage in fire and rehire processes.

Flexible working and family friendly policies

The university supports a range of flexible working and family friendly policies including:

• Flexible working
• Hybrid working with up to 60% of time working from home
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Shared parental leave
• Adoption leave