In the news this week: 2 October 2015

Pressure mounts on Open University over regional centre closures

Pressure continues to mount on the Open University over its plans to shut seven regional centres, which UCU has described as 'catastrophic'. Union members protested at the university's headquarters in Milton Keynes last week. Local rep Caitlin Adams warned that the changes would lead to a call centre model leaving students with fewer contact hours.

Private Eye also picked up on the story, pointing out that distance learning would become 'a lot more distant' as a result of the changes. You can sign the petition against the closures here.

One fifth of graduates not in professional roles

One fifth of graduates are still not in professional roles three years after graduating, with disadvantaged students the worst affected. UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, told the Telegraph there was a need for universities to give these groups more targeted support in making the transition from study to employment and that employers need to change their perceptions to "avoid squandering talent".

Corbyn's tuition fee pledge out for consultation

Jeremy Corbyn's pledge to abolish tuition fees has been shelved in favour of a wider consultation within the Labour party, reported the Financial Times. Sally Hunt reiterated UCU's opposition to fees and said: 'What students, parents and university staff really need is for politicians to set out a clear long-term plan for the stable funding of higher education in England. We will contribute positively to any review by Labour or the other parties'.

Employers say college cuts hitting specialist skills

Employers continue to weigh in on the impact cuts to college budget are having on the supply of specialist skills. The Guardian reported that Riverford Organic Farms included a piece in their weekly newsletter bemoaning the further education funding crisis, which it says is contributing to a lack of chefs, butchers and growers.

Scottish universities ranking high in global tables

UCU Scotland praised the hard work of teaching and research staff in Scotland which led to five universities being included in the top 200 of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings this week. Commenting on the ranking, UCU Scotland official, Mary Senior, said that reforms in the Higher Education Governance Bill would strengthen the sector for students, the economy and wider society.

Threat of industrial action at University of Manchester

The University of Manchester could face industrial action if an agreement regarding changes to the redeployment policy is not reached by Wednesday (7 October). Local UCU branch president, Adam Ozanne, told The Mancunion: 'The university is in breach of its existing redeployment policy, and has failed to provide unions or the staff with any assurance that it will avoid redundancies'