Appeal to university over plan to cut 34 staff

DUNDEE University has been urged to withdraw the threat of redundancies amid concern major changes to the institution are being rushed through.

Controversial plans were recently revealed to merge academic schools, which would cut 34 jobs.

Councillors Richard McCready and Fraser Macpherson want a rethink and have asked the Scottish Government to look at the issue.

Dundee University says it is doing all it can to reduce compulsory redundancies but must address a predicted annual loss of £15 million.

Both councillors say they have recently spoken with Dundee University Students’ Union (DUSA) and the local University and College Union (UCU).

Mr McCready said: “I’m always very concerned to hear about threats of compulsory redundancies.

“As a trade unionist I am calling on Dundee University to withdraw this threat and look to come to a settlement with the workforce rather than get involved in a damaging dispute.”

The overhaul would see the schools of education and social work, humanities, and social sciences merge to save £3m a year.

The plan is to be formally approved by the university court and senate on April 27.

That meeting will be preceded by updates to the senate meetings on February 3 and March 24.

Mr Macpherson said: “I have real concerns over the speed and transparency of the process.

“This has all been rushed through with indecent haste and I know there is significant unease in how feedback from staff and students can really help to shape the proposals... given this alarmingly short timescale.”

A spokesman said: “The university is committed to its Redundancy Avoidance Policy and we will do all that we can to avoid compulsory redundancies.

“However, to make the necessary savings, it may also require a compulsory redundancy programme. For the moment these still remain proposals.” The Scottish Government was approached for comment.