Union fighting plans to axe half of Liverpool Hope computing department

UCU members at the institution are unconvinced the redundancies are being properly managed.

The union said today that it wants to reopen talks with the university to avoid compulsory redundancies. It is lobbying the university management to find alternatives to compulsory redundancy such as enhanced premature retirement, or redeployment to other parts of the university even if this is on fractional contracts.

Liverpool Hope members protest against compulsory redundancies Currently seven out of 14 staff face being dismissed as redundant by September. The university has cited a financial deficit in that department and falling student numbers as the reasons for dismissing staff. However, UCU has argued that staff are being asked to complete forms with no clear criteria for selection for redundancy. Other staff at the institution will show their support for colleagues today by meeting together on Taggart Avenue at 12.30pm.

The union has tried to speak with the governors at Hope, but the only response so far has been a letter from the chair indicating that governors will not get involved in the management of the university.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'UCU members at Hope are keen to meet to resolve this issue. The management has to understand that getting back round the table is the quickest and best way to resolve the situation.'