Union attacks ‘crushing blow’ of college job cuts

Trade union representatives have condemned the handling of an announcement that The University of Highlands and Islands (UHI) is to cut 50 jobs in Perth.

The announcement was made on Friday, with UHI blaming the cost-of-living crisis and removal of Scottish Government funding for the cuts at Perth College.

A number of courses will also be axed as the institution faces a £3 million black hole.

Unison Further Education union has described it as a “crushing blow” to both the local economy and people.

According to the union, staff were advised in an email on Friday afternoon when management were still in a meeting. Unison has also alleged representatives were told to keep it a secret and were expected to handle the “fallout” and speak to impacted staff.

Phase one of the consultation process has started, with the university offering voluntary redundancy to staff.

Unison is now calling on the leadership at Perth UHI to engage in “meaningful consultation” and look at how roles can be saved.

It is also calling on the Scottish Government to intervene as the plan is “hugely detrimental to the local economy, local community, leading to an overall loss of invaluable services”.

A staff walkout took place yesterday in protest at the cuts.

Local Unison representatives said in a statement: “This is a crushing blow to the local economy and to the life chances of local people.

“It is devastating for our loyal and diligent members who face loss of livelihood during the ongoing cost-ofliving crisis.

“Unison wholeheartedly condemns the announcement and is appalled at the cynical, uncaring and unprofessional way it was handled.

“Senior leaders declined to face staff, instead expecting junior managers and trade union representatives to handle the inevitable and considerable fallout and deal with traumatised staff.

“Our members have yet again been treated with contempt and indifference to the impact this announcement would have on them.”

The union also hit out at claims the Scottish Government is at fault for cutting funding.

The statement said: “Senior leaders of FE colleges are indulging in spreading this mantra across further education in Scotland, despite it being fake news.

“The real reason behind these cuts is years of fiscal ineptitude on the part of those holding the pursestrings – fewer than 100 individuals who earn around £10 million a year between them.”

A staff member employed by UHI, who asked not to be named, said: “Nobody was made aware of the redundancies until Friday.

“There were many tears and foul language over the disgusting and undignified way people have been treated.”

Perth UHI blamed job cuts on a number of circumstances including:

Reduction in higher education recruitment over a period of time;

Flat cash for further education with a 10% reduction in credit numbers available;

The removal of the £46 million for transformation within the college and university sectors;

The projected cost of living increases for utilities and pay awards (which will not be funded by the Scottish Government).

Perth UHI has been approached for comment.