UCU responds to Coventry University VC government appointment

The appointment comes as Coventry University threatens more than 300 staff with the sack whilst forcing those who remain to work through a subsidiary company on behalf of the university. New starters would be unable to access the industry-standard Teachers' Pension Scheme. 

UCU regional official Anne O'Sullivan said: 'We are dismayed that the government has decided to appoint the vice-chancellor of Coventry University to a role at the Department of Business and Trade at a time when the university is threatening staff with job cuts and changes to pension schemes.   

'In the build up to Christmas, management have told staff they will have to pay the price for the university's failures and threatened them with job losses. Professor Latham should focus on getting his own house in order before taking on additional roles for the government.'