Lancaster University is slashing 450+ jobs. A Compulsory Redundancy scheme is due to start and will see approx. 1 in 4 staff disappear. This is a crisis for staff and their families, students, Lancaster city and community, because it puts the future of many Lancaster residents, businesses, and local community at risk. Lancaster University indirectly and directly supports 6,000 jobs. It is a catalyst for growth at all levels and it provides education for students from all backgrounds.
Lancaster UCU believes this is a crisis entirely of senior management’s making. The University is claiming a £35m "black hole" in the finances. But this is based on estimates of future income. The University is making a surplus of approx. £7 million this year. All staff have been overworked for years with stress related sickness absence through the roof. No one except the senior management team have had pay increases that meet inflation for over 15 years. The VC salary increased by 6% last year and is now well over £300k including pension. No senior manager is being made redundant. No one is taking a pay-cut either. The 12 members of the University Executive Board earn a total of £2.34 million / year. And the University is still continuing to spend on their trophy projects and buildings. Staff members whose jobs are at risk are appalled that the seniro management of the University is prioritising capital expenditure and their projects over livelihoods of hundreds of staff, affecting families and communities.
The University is taking the easy way out by sacking staff. This smacks of laziness and an amoral approach to managing. Lancaster UCU is fighting these draconian cuts in every way and with every tool at our disposal. The hardship fund will be fundamental in keeping our fight going. Please, if you are able to, donate today. And when/if it comes to it, please atand in solidarity with Lancaster UCU in the picket line against compulsory redundancies.
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