Salford University jobs row intensifies as union refuses to rule out strike action
15 April 2011
Members of UCU at Salford University have today vowed to fight plans for job losses at the institution as the university looks to try and recoup some of the millions invested in the ambitious MediaCityUK project.
The university has announced plans to axe 218 jobs in an attempt to save £7million, having already made 150 redundancies over the past few years in attempts to free up money to invest in MediaCityUK. The university is reported to have spent over £40m on the venture, but there is still no teaching taking place there.
Salford University UCU members met this week and have not ruled out the possibility of strike action in a fight against the job losses, which they say are being pushed through with 'indecent haste'. The union added that the MediaCityUK venture was supposed to provide jobs for the local area - not take them away.
UCU said that as well having a devastating impact on the local community, the employers' plans would remove vital student services and do little to encourage future students to apply as we move the new competitive world of higher fees.
UCU regional official, Martyn Moss, said: 'We want to know why so many millions of pounds have been spent on what so far looks like a giant white elephant. The MediaCityUK project was supposed to reinvigorate the area and provide thousands of jobs. However, so far we have seen 150 staff at Salford University go in an effort to raise funds to invest in the venture and now another 218 are set to follow them out of the door.
'Getting rid of staff, who provide much-needed personal contact, advice and support for students, will do nothing for the university's reputation in this difficult and uncertain time of huge fees rises. The university is acting with indecent haste in its efforts to axe staff. It needs to think again and we will be doing our utmost to ensure it does. We certainly cannot rule out strike action.'
Salford University UCU members met this week and have not ruled out the possibility of strike action in a fight against the job losses, which they say are being pushed through with 'indecent haste'. The union added that the MediaCityUK venture was supposed to provide jobs for the local area - not take them away.
UCU said that as well having a devastating impact on the local community, the employers' plans would remove vital student services and do little to encourage future students to apply as we move the new competitive world of higher fees.
UCU regional official, Martyn Moss, said: 'We want to know why so many millions of pounds have been spent on what so far looks like a giant white elephant. The MediaCityUK project was supposed to reinvigorate the area and provide thousands of jobs. However, so far we have seen 150 staff at Salford University go in an effort to raise funds to invest in the venture and now another 218 are set to follow them out of the door.
'Getting rid of staff, who provide much-needed personal contact, advice and support for students, will do nothing for the university's reputation in this difficult and uncertain time of huge fees rises. The university is acting with indecent haste in its efforts to axe staff. It needs to think again and we will be doing our utmost to ensure it does. We certainly cannot rule out strike action.'
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