Date: Wednesday 18 June 2014

UNISON calls for immediate withdrawal of redundancy notices at Stirling University

UNISON Scotland has called on Stirling University to remove redundancy notices from more than 50 of its staff.

The move is the result of a reorganisation within the university and officials have notified all 53 staff who work within the halls of residence that their jobs are at risk – despite the fact there are enough jobs for all the workers.

Emma Phillips, UNISON Scotland’s Regional Organiser, said:
“There is no need for the threat of compulsory redundancies and we would expect far more from an institution like Stirling University. The planned changes are part of a reorganisation and there are enough jobs for all existing staff.

“One of the reasons young people choose to go to Stirling University is for its excellent reputation in providing a supportive atmosphere. The staff who work in the halls of residence look after students daily, including giving moral support if students are lonely, to giving advice for those with money problems, to supporting vulnerable students who may self harm. This support helps students to successfully complete their degrees – the role they play is vital to delivering the service that students deserve.”

Under the new structure, there will be 46 posts. Fourteen of the 53 staff at risk have taken voluntary redundancy, leaving 39 staff who can move into the new structure and creating seven new vacancies.

Emma Phillips added:
“We’ve written to Stirling University asking for the immediate withdrawal of redundancy notices as we do not believe there is a genuine redundancy situation. The jobs still exist, although there is a change to some of the tasks within the jobs.

“These members of staff go above and beyond to support students at Stirling University. They have years of experience and play a vital role in supporting students to complete their studies, some of whom are in vulnerable situations. For university bosses to put these staff under this kind of pressure is simply unacceptable. They need to call a halt to this now and focus on working with staff to move forward with the new structure.”

ENDS

Note to editors

Those at risk work in roles such as student welfare, residential support, concierge, building and student security, mail staff and porters, and administrators.

For further information please contact:

• Emma Phillips, UNISON Scotland’s Regional Organiser, on 07538 101221

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