Union calls for urgent intervention to save jobs in Oban

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is planning to axe 10 per cent of its staff, which would mean 15 members of staff losing their jobs. UCU said the losses would have a devastating impact on the local economy in Argyll, and would damage the education and research opportunities at the institution.
 
UCU and local MSP Michael Russell have both made urgent representations to the Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council calling on them to intervene and provide some bridging funding to save jobs, and ensure the institution is on a sustainable footing.
 
UCU Scotland official, Mary Senior, said: 'SAMS is the only marine laboratory on the west coast of Scotland and its dedicated staff provide essential and unique teaching and research. As an academic partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands, SAMS was pivotal in the university's recent inclusion in the recent Research Excellence Framework.
 
'Losing 15 high quality jobs in the fragile remote rural economy would be devastating for Argyll and really damaging to the education and research prospects at SAMS. UCU is urging the cabinet secretary to intervene and provide the funding that will save jobs at SAMS.'