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Strikes off as agreement reached over job cuts at Hull College Group

15 June 2018

Strike action at the Hull College Group, due to begin on Monday (18 June), has been suspended following positive talks between the college management and UCU over planned job cuts.

The two sides have issued a joint statement* today (Friday) which commits to continued joint working with a view to avoiding any compulsory redundancies as part of the restructure.

Members of UCU had planned to walk out for seven days in the next two weeks, having already taken three days of strike action in May as part of the dispute over job cuts.

The union said it was pleased that constructive negotiations with management had led to an agreed approach, avoiding the need for further disruption to students. It also committed to continued engagement in order to minimise the impact of the restructure on staff and students.

 UCU regional official, Julie Kelley, said: 'I am pleased that, following positive talks, we have been able to secure an agreement with the college management to work together to avoid compulsory redundancies. We will continue to engage constructively with the college with the aim of minimising the impact of the restructure on staff and students.'

*The joint statement in full:

In March 2018, Hull College Group announced a restructure affecting up to 231 full-time equivalent roles as part of a five-year recovery plan following recommendations from the Further Education (FE) Commissioner.

Hull College Group and UCU following constructive negotiations can confirm that through best endeavours and joint working they are seeking to complete the restructure without the need for compulsory redundancy.

The group recognises the important role trade unions play in these consultations and through negotiations with the UCU, both parties are pleased to agree that the planned strike action has now been called off due to a Memorandum of Understanding being agreed.

We would also like to acknowledge the contribution all our staff have made during this difficult process as we work to achieve a successful and sustainable future and resolve serious operational and financial issues inherited from the previous management.

We mutually recognise that the past few years have been very challenging for staff and students at Hull College Group and we share the joint ambition to bring about positive changes to ensure we continue to be vibrant and exciting places to learn and a good place to work.

We will work jointly to lobby for better funding for FE colleges.

Hull College group is very sad that we cannot take all staff with us as we rebuild and refresh and we remain focused on delivering the vital role our colleges play in providing skills and education to our local communities.

Last updated: 15 June 2018

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