Friday 18 September 2020
For immediate release
UNISON secures victory as SOAS backs down over job cuts
Catering, cleaning, security and support staff at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) are celebrating after the university reversed plans to axe jobs, UNISON said today (Friday).
Following negotiations with UNISON, the school will not push ahead with a programme of compulsory redundancies that would have cost 35 jobs.
Professional service roles have been saved, while others earmarked for redundancy – including cleaning and catering staff – will receive their full salaries and support while they are found new roles in the school.
SOAS has agreed to appoint redeployment managers to help staff find new jobs on campus, says UNISON.
The agreement means two days of strikes planned for Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September have been cancelled, UNISON added.
UNISON SOAS branch secretary Sandy Nicoll said: “This is a fantastic result for staff, who can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their livelihoods are safe.
“We’re pleased the university has listened to us and we look forward to working together to protect jobs now and in the future.
“UNISON will continue to fight for staff over issues of workload and will always oppose compulsory redundancies.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contact:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E: e.davey@unison.co.uk