University of Leeds protest over job cuts

The university says it is looking to make £35 million worth of savings and cuts of 10%. All university departments, even those making a surplus, have been told to identify cuts of between 10 to 20%.
 
The protestors will gather on the steps beneath the university's iconic white Parkinson Building* on Woodhouse Lane at 4:45pm. They will then make their way to the Ziff Building* where they will hand in a petition signed by thousands of staff and students to a member of the university council at 5.15pm. Speeches and protests will then continue on the lawn outside the Edward Boyle Library*. Speakers will include UCU members and students protesting at the threats to their education.
 
The University of Leeds looks increasingly likely to be disrupted by strike action in the new year after UCU members at the university last week voted overwhelmingly in favour of balloting for strike action. The union also passed a motion which said it had no confidence in the vice-chancellor, Michael Arthur, and the senior management team.
 
University of Leeds UCU branch president, Malcolm Povey, said: 'Thursday's lobby is the first step in what may be a long campaign to save jobs at the University of Leeds. The cuts would have an enormous impact on students' education here in Leeds and the institution's reputation. Getting rid of hundreds of posts will leave staff with less time to attend to the individual needs of students, something that students, understandably, will be furious about.'
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'UCU members at the University of Leeds have made it clear that they will fight to save jobs and the institution's reputation, and they have the full support of the national union. Thursday's protest represents the start of the campaign with the threat of strike action already looming large over the university.'

• Notes
  The different buildings can be found on the Leeds University interactive campus map
  The Parkinson Building in number 60
  The (Marjorie and Arnold) Ziff Building is number 77
  The Edward Boyle Library is number 83.