University prepares for action (From Times Series)

University prepares for action

11:40am Thursday 15th September 2011 in News By Kate Jenkinson

STAFF and students at Middlesex University's Hendon campus are preparing to strike over threats of more than 200 compulsory redundancies.

Supporting fellow union members at Tuesday's rally, Middlesex University UNISON branch members distributed leaflets campaigning for industrial action of their own.

Branch secretary Paul Howell said balloting for strike action was already underway, as the potential loss of up to 15 per cent of the university workforce could damage the educational experience of students.

"Students recognise that these cuts are an attack on their education," he said.

"The University still hasn't adequately answered how they intend to mitigate the impact of these job losses on the student experience."

Middlesex University spokesman Sam Spindlow said there was "no choice but to take prompt action" as all universities were facing unprecedented Government cuts.

"Providing the best possible experience for our students will remain the top priority despite these challenges," he said.

"We remain committed to avoiding the use of compulsory redundancies and have re-opened a voluntary redundancy scheme."

If voluntary redundancy and other cost cutting measures can't fill the funding gap, Mr Spindlow said "we regret that compulsory redundancies are an option".

Mr Spindlow clarified that the voluntary scheme was ongoing and it was unknown if compulsory redundancies would be needed.

He said it was "unfortunate" that the union was balloting for strike action when it was unclear if compulsory redundancies would occur.