UCU calls for halt to rushed restructure and job losses at Nottingham College

UCU is urging Nottingham College to halt rushed restructure plans which leave 378 staff uncertain about their future over the summer period.

The newly formed college has announced a major restructure which will see at least 153 existing posts axed. Although some new posts will be created, the college has refused to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of the restructure process. The union also argues that many of the new posts could see staff downgraded and leave them with worse terms and conditions.

UCU has accused the college of leaving staff in the dark by failing to publish full details of the proposed new structure. A consultation on voluntary redundancy closes on 24 July, but many of the job descriptions for new posts are still unavailable for staff to consider.

The timing of the consultation, which runs through the summer holiday period, has also been criticised by the union. It comes just weeks after the merger between New College Nottingham and Central College Nottingham was finally completed after months of delay.

The union has called on the college to halt the restructure process, rule out compulsory redundancies and discuss with the union the best way forward for staff and students.

UCU regional official, Sue Davis, said: 'The whole restructure process is being rushed through without proper time for consultation.

'The college has repeatedly failed to provide us with basic information about the proposed new structure, leaving staff in the dark. We are deeply concerned that the job cuts will lead to fewer opportunities and less support for local people to get the skills they need.

'Many staff are now being asked to make decisions about their future without appropriate information, while others face the choice of losing their job or accepting a new contract which leaves them with lower pay and worse terms and conditions.

'Trying to rush through a consultation over the summer period makes meaningful engagement extremely difficult and is leaving hundreds of staff in limbo about their future. The college urgently needs to halt the process, rule out compulsory redundancies and sit down with UCU to consider the best way forward for staff and students.'