A recent ballot of University and College Union (UCU) members indicated support for industrial action / action short of a strike (ASOS). We have been notified by UCU, that ASOS will take place from Monday, 10 May, until the dispute is settled or no later than six months after the close of the ballot. ASOS refers to members of UCU working to their contracts and not undertaking any ‘voluntary activities’.
The action called by UCU is in relation to proposed redundancies in the University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (HLS). The proposed redundancies are part of a wider restructure to enable re-investment in areas of specialism and increase academic quality and the societal impact of the Faculty’s research and expertise. The restructure has been carefully considered over an approximately 18-month period, during which we have engaged comprehensively with colleagues.
The University remains engaged in collective consultation with our trade unions over the proposals and this period has already been extended to allow for further discussion. It is regrettable that UCU has now called for industrial action before the consultation process has even concluded.
We recognise that any period of industrial action will be a cause of concern for our staff and students and every effort is being made to resolve the dispute. The University has processes in place to help keep any disruption to a minimum and we are keeping our staff and students regularly informed.