Tuesday 6 June 2023
For immediate release
Up to 100 staff at risk of redundancy at London South Bank University, says UNISON
UNISON has lodged a formal dispute against London South Bank University over plans which could see up to 100 staff at risk of redundancy, the union says today (Tuesday).
The proposal, which will see cuts to employees working in areas such as IT and library services, is part of the university’s plan to reduce costs.
UNISON says the university has also failed to consult properly with staff and their unions.
The union held a rally to protest against the changes last week and launched a petition opposing the plans, which already has nearly 3,000 signatures.
The university has also announced proposals to outsource low-paid staff within its estates and academic environment department.
UNISON says this is no way to treat dedicated staff who continued to provide services to students at the height of the pandemic.
UNISON London South Bank University branch secretary Jonathan Buckner said: “These plans are damaging not just to staff, but to the welfare of students.
“These workers have essential roles and provide day-to-day support for thousands of people. Without them the student experience simply will not be the same.
“The university has failed to provide any clear explanation for the cuts or for the plan to transfer many staff to a private company. Outsourcing usually leads to worse conditions, including pay, sick pay and holidays.
“It’s a dreadful way to treat people who risked their lives to work on-site during the pandemic. The university must work with UNISON to resolve these issues.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON’s dispute is over a range of issues, including clarity over the numbers threatened with redundancy, and the failure to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum and provide the necessary information to staff at risk.
– A photo from the rally staged on Tuesday 30 May can be found here.
– 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 the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E:e.davey@unison.co.uk