Uni's 'hope' it can avoid compulsory job cuts

NEW PLAN TO WARD OFF LOOMING THREAT OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION

- By JOSHUA HARTLEY

THE University of Nottingham hopes compulsory redundancies can be avoided as industrial action looms over its controversial cost-cutting plans.

The university has approved its “Future Nottingham” restructuring, a drastic cost-saving programme that is slashing 350 professional service roles - and could bring further job cuts.

But the University and College Union and Unison, the latter union representing many support workers whose jobs have been under threat in Future Nottingham’s first phase, have heavily criticised the university’s financial management and started industrial action over the possibility of compulsory redundancies.

The struggling institution now says it is trying to move “at-risk” employees to different roles.

The UCU says that more than 280 people have already taken voluntary redundancy.