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UCU: Bishop Auckland College signals intention to dismiss all teaching staff

Monday, 18, Aug 2008 12:00

The management of Bishop Auckland College have issued notice of their intention to dismiss all staff who are not prepared to accept new terms and conditions of employment.

The County Durham college signalled its intention to sack 305 staff then re-engage them on inferior terms and conditions in a legal notice issued to the University and College Union.

The University and College Union has condemned the move as an outrageous way to treat staff, and an affront to decent industrial relations. The union fears that such a move would seriously jeopardise the quality of education offered by the college.

The college signalled its intention on Monday 4 August while lecturers were on their summer break, meaning staff are currently unaware of the threat to their jobs.

UCU officials in the region have pledged that, when lecturers return to work at the end of the month, they will discuss the most robust of responses, including industrial action.

UCU Regional Official in the north-east, Iain Owens, said:

"The proper way to conduct industrial relations is to sit down and talk.

“Instead, we are witnessing longstanding teachers, who have given years of commitment and hard work to this college, suddenly being threatened with dismissal.

“This is unnecessary macho posturing, and UCU will not sit back and allow our members to be treated in such an appalling fashion.”

ends

contacts:

Joyce McAndrew t: 0191 487 7220; m: 07968 312 891 e: jmcandrew@ucu.org.uk

UCU Press officer Trevor Phillips 0207 520 1032 m: 07773 796882

UCU Press officer Dan Ashley t: 020 7670 9705; m: 07789 518 992; e: dashley@ucu.org.uk

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