Labor action is set to intensify across several U.K. universities as unions escalate disputes over budget cuts and pension changes. The University of Edinburgh will face a marking boycott beginning May 1, affecting the summer exam season, while additional strikes have been called at University of Essex and Southampton Solent. At Edinburgh, the marking boycott is tied to the University and College Union (UCU) dispute over plans to cut £140 million from the budget. The university said it is disappointed by the vote and will take steps to keep assessment on track for student progression and awards. At Southampton Solent, the union has called five days of strike action starting April 30 over pensions, after the institution emailed staff about plans to move employment through a subsidiary beginning in July—an arrangement that would reduce pension generosity. The coming weeks highlight the operational impact of labor disputes on student timelines, particularly for grading and progression in the immediate post-spring assessment window.