Protests at Glasgow University with over 80 jobs at risk

The university has already targeted 25 jobs in the department of education and is now looking at the possibility of at least 60 more jobs going across the institution. The union says job losses are unnecessary and that the university has broken promises to staff.

The protest will take place from 12 noon prior to a meeting of the Glasgow University Court, which will decide on the plans for job losses. Glasgow University is undergoing a complex restructure, which unions were originally assured would not be a 'cost-cutting' exercise.

However, the university's response to a shortfall in teacher education funding was to target 25 staff in the education department and it is now discussing at least 80 job cuts across the university. The proposed job cuts, in areas such as Arts and Life Sciences, could seriously harm the university's reputation. The Arts faculty provides research and consultancy for industry and government, working across the UK and internationally. The Faculty of Biomedical & Life Sciences has an international reputation and is one of the major centres for biological research in Europe. Furthermore, there is no economic case as they are all financially sound.

UCU will be joined by members of the other campus unions, Unite and UNISON and students on Wednesday from 12.30 at the south front of the main University building. There will be a public meeting in the University Chapel at noon addressed by Alastair Hunter, UCU national president, who is from Glasgow University and Ann McKechin, the local MP.

UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said: "The university made it quite clear to us that its restructure plans would not be a cost-cutting exercise. With at least 80 jobs now at risk, those words mean little. We will be making our voices heard to members of the university's court before their meeting. It is vital that they reign in plans to sack staff and jeopardise the university's proud international reputation."