Bury College pulls out of merger with the University of Bolton

UCU hit out in June last year at a flawed consultation process and said the merger would not benefit staff or students. In its formal response to the college's public consultation over the proposed merger, UCU said any tie-up with the University of Bolton would pose a serious threat to the future of further education provision in Bury. 

After the collapse of the merger at a Bury College board of governors meeting last night, the union demanded to know how much public money has been spent on a merger it described as "ill-conceived".

UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: 'This merger was a bad idea from the start. We believe colleges have an important role to play in the local community and are pleased that Bury will still be served by its own institution.

'As we approach the mayoral and general elections, we want to hear from politicians of all stripes what their plans are to deliver decent education and relevant skills training to enable the people of Bury and Greater Manchester to contribute to a successful local economy.'