Strike threat at City of Bristol College in job loss row

The college has said it is pressing ahead with a staffing review of the newly-created sixth form academy, which the union says will lead to compulsory redundancies.

The college has argued that the redundancies are required to reduce costs, but the union believes savings can be found in a host of other areas and that compulsory redundancies must be a last resort. UCU says staff at the college have been angered by the huge disparity in the wages of those at risk of losing their jobs and those wielding the axe.

The principal and another 21 senior post holders earn between £60,000 and £170,000 a year with perks on top, such as private healthcare and performance bonuses. Yet, the average salary in the threatened sixth form academy is just £22,520.  The union also questioned the expensive use of outside consultants, specifically in the areas of marketing and public relations.

UCU representative at the college, Caroline Vowles, said: 'Staff in the sixth form academy at City of Bristol College are understandably outraged by the news that management are looking to axe jobs whilst they enjoy large salaries, with potential performance bonuses, and are spending money on marketing and PR external consultants. The college needs to scrap these redundancy plans or we will be left with no option but to take strike action.'