London Metropolitan University given vote of no confidence by staff
25 April 2012
Over 90% of staff say they have no confidence in vice-chancellor
UCU today called on the governors of London Metropolitan University (LMU) to urgently intervene in the running of the university after staff delivered an overwhelmingly vote of no confidence in the university's management.
The survey of teaching and support staff revealed that over nine in ten staff (91%) have lost confidence in LMU's vice-chancellor, Malcolm Gilles, and his senior management team.
Staff are furious at plans to axe more than 200 jobs as part of a radical programme of cuts that will result in over three-quarters of courses being closed. The union fears these moves are merely the thin end of the wedge, with further cuts to jobs and courses likely in the future.
UCU added that LMU is yet to present a convincing business case for its plans to slash £7m from the wage bill by July. The union has seen information from the university's Human Resources department that shows over £7m was saved through staff leaving between July and December 2011.
UCU regional official, Barry Jones, said: 'It is little surprise that staff confidence is at an all-time low given the radical cuts programme LMU wants to implement. We believe there is no business or educational case for these plans and it is essential that governors listen to staff concerns and challenge the flawed management being led by the vice-chancellor.
'We fear these cuts are the thin end of the wedge and, unless urgent action is taken now, LMU staff and students will suffer in the future.'
UCU officers have called for a meeting with LMU's governors to discuss ways forward for the university.
The survey of teaching and support staff revealed that over nine in ten staff (91%) have lost confidence in LMU's vice-chancellor, Malcolm Gilles, and his senior management team.
Staff are furious at plans to axe more than 200 jobs as part of a radical programme of cuts that will result in over three-quarters of courses being closed. The union fears these moves are merely the thin end of the wedge, with further cuts to jobs and courses likely in the future.
UCU added that LMU is yet to present a convincing business case for its plans to slash £7m from the wage bill by July. The union has seen information from the university's Human Resources department that shows over £7m was saved through staff leaving between July and December 2011.
UCU regional official, Barry Jones, said: 'It is little surprise that staff confidence is at an all-time low given the radical cuts programme LMU wants to implement. We believe there is no business or educational case for these plans and it is essential that governors listen to staff concerns and challenge the flawed management being led by the vice-chancellor.
'We fear these cuts are the thin end of the wedge and, unless urgent action is taken now, LMU staff and students will suffer in the future.'
UCU officers have called for a meeting with LMU's governors to discuss ways forward for the university.
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