Protests at Dundee University ahead of job axe vote

The protest will start at 1pm ahead of a meeting of the university's court – the body that will decide whether or not to implement plans to axe jobs.
 
A report to the court to be discussed at the meeting stresses that university managers see the cuts as a springboard to a leaner, more focused university and says: 'These proposals will lead to the identification of a need to reduce academic staff costs in the short term.'
 
UCU says that job losses are unnecessary and the cost of getting rid of people in the short-term and the employing more people a little further down the line makes little economic sense. The university received a 1.8% cash terms increase in the latest funding allocations, which was one of the largest increases for a university. The union also pointed out that Dundee has performed well in attracting funding in recent times and say such drastic surgery is not required.
 
UCU members will be joined by colleagues from the of the other campus unions, Unite and UNISON, and their students on Monday from 1pm at the Tower Building (see directions below)
 
UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said: 'There is no financial or academic need for the proposed cuts given the university is performing well.  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, which would jeopardise the university's proud international reputation.'

Directions to venue
The Tower Building is numbered 1 on the campus map