Council leaders call for halt to university job losses

LEADERS from across the political spectrum in Dundee have written to the Scottish Government calling for a halt to job losses at Dundee University to be made a high priority.

A letter signed by all four political groups on Dundee City Council, has expressed “deep concern regarding the proposed further job losses and the potential closure of the Botanic Garden and other centres”.

The letter, endorsed by council leader Mark Flynn, Labour Group leader Kevin Keenan, Liberal Democrat leader Fraser Macpherson and Conservative leader, Derek Scott, describes the university as “one of Dundee's most important institutions… (which) supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly”.

It adds: “The current situation has implications not only for the university but for Dundee's economy, its reputation as a centre of education and research, and the confidence of staff, students and prospective applicants".

While the letter recognises the university’s significant financial challenges in recent years and the difficult decisions that have had to be considered, it goes on to say: “…the prospect of further substantial job losses once again casts a dark shadow over both the university and the City of Dundee.”

Describing the university as making an invaluable contribution to the city and the wider region's economy, the letter warns that the “…continued erosion of its workforce and the possible loss of valued assets such as the Botanic Garden risk causing lasting damage not only to the university but to the wider community it serves”.

The leaders of the four political groups on Dundee City Council are united in the view that further job losses should not go ahead and are asking the Scottish Government to work urgently with the university, the Scottish Funding Council and other relevant partners to identify every possible option to avoid compulsory redundancies and protect strategically important facilities and services.

It goes on to ask that the Scottish Government ensure that Fair Work principles are fully observed throughout this process, including meaningful engagement and negotiation with recognised trade unions on both the proposed redundancies and the university's long-term recovery and sustainability plans.

The letter, sent today (Wednesday) to Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth and copied to all Cabinet Secretaries, also suggests that: “…there is now a strong case for the Scottish Government to consider whether further targeted financial support or other forms of intervention are required”.

That support would have to be linked to a robust, transparent and credible recovery plan that protects employment wherever possible, safeguards key assets and provides confidence in the university's long-term future.

The letter concludes by asking for the situation to be treated as a high priority and looks for a rapid response detailing what action the Scottish Government intends to take.