Bishop Auckland College signals intention to dismiss all teaching staff

The County Durham college signalled its intention to sack 305 staff then re-engage them on inferior terms and conditions in a legal notice issued to the UCU.

UCU has condemned the move as an outrageous way to treat staff, and an affront to decent industrial relations. The union fears that such a move would seriously jeopardise the quality of education offered by the college.

The college signalled its intention on Monday 4 August while lecturers were on their summer break, meaning staff are currently unaware of the threat to their jobs.

UCU officials in the region have pledged that, when lecturers return to work at the end of the month, they will discuss the most robust of responses, including industrial action.

UCU regional official in the north-east, Iain Owens, said: 'The proper way to conduct industrial relations is to sit down and talk. 

'Instead, we are witnessing longstanding teachers, who have given years of commitment and hard work to this college, suddenly being threatened with dismissal. 'This is unnecessary macho posturing, and UCU will not sit back and allow our members to be treated in such an appalling fashion.'