Union supports vote of no confidence in University of Reading vice-chancellor

The vote has been organised by 'Staff against PAS' in an ongoing row after the university's management began its Professional and Administrative Staff (PAS) review.

UCU is encouraging all staff to vote for no-confidence in the vice-chancellor in the online vote launched this week and closing on Monday 11 April.

The review has already resulted in the loss of many experienced members of staff, and the downgrading of others. It is one element of an unknown package of efficiency measures being pushed through by the university management.

The vote of no confidence is accompanied by a set of demands including: no downgrading of roles; no compulsory redundancies; a suspension of the review pending a feasibility analysis; and an end spending university funds on management consultants.

UCU branch president at the University of Reading, Paul Hatcher, said: 'Staff are worried about the ongoing consultation and the impact of any restructure on jobs, working conditions and low staff morale. Delivering an excellent student experience depends upon a team working together, and academic-related and support staff are a vital part of this. Hardworking staff are the backbone to any successful institution.

'We call on the university to listen carefully to staff and student concerns. UCU is willing to talk and negotiate to find alternatives to downgrading redundancies wherever possible.'