Reading University accused of undermining government social work plans

The government has launched a new initiative to encourage people into the social care profession, just as Reading University considers plans to axe its department.

The threatened department runs hugely successful social work courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. The government estimates that one in ten social work positions in the UK are currently unfilled and UCU says it fails to comprehend why the institution is considering axing a department that is not losing money.

'At a time when the UK is crying out for more social workers, why on earth is Reading University looking to close its school of health and care?'
Sally Hunt

The British Association of Social Workers has warned that this one closure will lead to a shortage of industry professionals in the county, with Berkshire particularly affected. Reading University controversially axed its award-winning physics department in November 2006. A move heavily criticised by experts in the field at the time.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'At a time when the UK is crying out for more social workers why on earth is Reading University looking to close its school of health and care? The government has made it quite clear that we need more, not less, support for social work in this country and Reading University is doing its best to scupper those plans.

'Reading University needs to explain exactly why it believes axing a vital department, that provides the region and the country with social workers, is the right thing to do when there is a desperate shortage. After the shambolic closure of the physics department in 2006 we hoped we had seen the last of plans from the vice-chancellor that fly in the face of local and national priorities. It would appear we were mistaken, but rest assured that we will be fighting these plans all the way.'

• More on the government's new plans for social care can be found at on the DCSF website