A UNION has declared a dispute with the University of Bradford over possible job cuts.

The University’s branch of Unison has hit out after the proposals were revealed to staff within the last few weeks.

The union says up to 30 jobs could be lost and other members of staff downgraded.

The official dispute means the union will not return to the negotiating table until management revise their plans.

Patrick Dennehy, Bradford University Unison Branch Secretary, said: “These proposals are a disgrace. They are threatening to potentially downgrade 20 per cent of the current workforce, whilst the Vice Chancellor awards himself a 19 per cent pay rise. Our members think enough is enough.

"It is bad enough that the University failed to implement a reasonably fair pay rise for staff last year, but to now try and reduce salaries for so many hard working staff is completely unacceptable.

"The University talks about improving the student experience and wanting impressive growth in student numbers, yet the reality on the ground is that they are cutting staff numbers and cutting services. Those two things are incompatible."

A spokesman for Bradford University confirmed a review was taking place over improving the administrative processes with potential loss of jobs but added that the pay rise for the vice chancellor was incorrect.

They said: "In regard to the vice chancellor's pay claim, this is inaccurate information from 12 months ago. The University accounts, as required, published details of the vice chancellor's salary.

"However, the previous year's figures gave a salary without stating that it was for part of a year, because he joined the University part way through a year. Consequently, the following year's full-year salary appeared to be a significant increase when in fact it was simply a full year's salary and not a 19 per cent increase."

The spokesman also stated the university current position over the potential job cuts saying it was part of a student and academic administration review which ends on March 9.

"The University is still in the collective consultation stage of the review. It is is undertaking extensive consultation with administrative staff, academic staff and students, and will be using the feedback to review and refine those proposals

"There are no proposals to cut services, rather to provide additional services for students, such as an enhanced money advice service and a broader student hub based at a number of access points across campus. Individual communication will take place with all staff once final proposals have been agreed. While the current proposals would see a reduction in 14 FTE posts, we hope that this would be achieved through normal rates of turnover and voluntary agreements."

Bradford West MP Naz Shah voiced her own concerns yesterday over the latest redundancy news. She said: "I was made aware of these developments this afternoon and I have since spoken to the senior management of the university to seek assurances.

"They have stated to me that they are still in a consultation period, and that no decisions have been taken yet.
"I will remain in dialogue with the university management throughout this process and will reach out to union representatives and staff.

"These staff play an important role in the success of the University and their job security is of great concern to me."

Unison is saying it is considering all its options, including balloting its members for further action.

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