Dear UNISON Member,
The announcement by the Vice Chancellor (Michael Driscoll) of up to 200 posts to be cut (access via intranet only) is shocking and represents a betrayal of trust to all University Staff.
The University Executive has led staff to believe "The University is in a comparatively strong position in the UK higher education sector" and "we enter this era in good shape" (MDX University Financial Statement 2009 / 10) and in the statement on the 3rd of May “The University’s sound financial management places us in a far better position than many other institutions.”
Today's announcement shows these statements to be hollow and meaningless. As Middlesex University Staff and Union members we have every reason to feel angry, betrayed and misled today.
The £10 million funding shortfall is not of our making. The University has pursued a policy of expanding student numbers even though the HEFCE fines that Middlesex have incurred "illustrate the inability of universities to boost income through expansion" (Times Higher Education)
The University has pursued its business strategy, asking for staff to undergo restructures and campus closures whilst promoting our achievements in improving the student experience. This is our reward.
This UNISON branch is currently in dispute with the University over Redundancies, as a branch we lobbied the Board of Governors meeting on Tuesday 7th June. Despite the unions efforts, it is now apparent this meeting was used to agree these plans.
The 90 day consultation period over these redundancies has now officially started.
At the AGM and EGM Middlesex UNISON members have voted to support motions to oppose Compulsory redundancies.
We ask you, the members, to back the motions you voted for and support the Branch in whatever action we need to take to oppose these attacks on our jobs.
It is time to fight to defend our jobs and defend Higher Education at Middlesex University.
We will keep you informed of developments. The Branch will call an EGM and we urge all members to make every effort to attend this meeting and any other associated meetings called.
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