UCU welcomes legal decision for full hearing in Stirling University job cuts case

UCU lodged proceedings in October, claiming the university had failed to consult properly with trade unions on job losses. At the Glasgow employment tribunal this morning, UCU's Solicitor, Michael Scott, argued that the legal issues were straightforward and there was no need for a pre-hearing review. The union said it was seeking compensation for the staff affected.

Speaking after the proceedings UCU's Scottish Official Mary Senior said: 'UCU welcomes the tribunal judge's move to a full hearing. We are clear that the law requires employers to consult in good time with unions when they are considering job cuts. That consultation should be meaningful and employers should consult on fixed-term contracts that come to an end during the relevant period. We believe that Stirling University failed to comply with the law when handling the job losses.

'The whole episode has been very damaging to staff morale and done absolutely nothing to enhance the student learning environment. We are seeking a protective award of up to 90 days' pay for the employees affected. The law specifies that is a punitive award to remind employers of their obligations to consult with trade unions when they are considering job losses.'

Note:
A case management discussion on the case of University and College Union vs University of Stirling took place at 9.30am on Monday 18 January 2010 at the Employment tribunal offices in Glasgow. The University of Stirling was represented by Anderson Strathern Solicitors and Brian Napier QC.