All university education staff on redundancy alert

EDINBURGH University has written to all of the permanent staff in its education faculty to warn them they are at risk of redundancy.

The move is a result of a government cut in the number of teacher training places in Scotland to combat the high level of unemployment in the profession.

Yesterday, lecturers and students led protests outside the Moray House teaching faculty and at the university's base on George Square.

Mary Senior, Scottish Official for the University and College Union (UCU), which represents lecturers, said: "Our members are distressed that so many of them have received the letter of redundancy. The UCU really does hope to avoid any compulsory redundancy through the consultation process.

"We are angry that the Scottish Government has got us into this position in an attempt to meet their class-size commitment."

In its election manifesto the SNP government vowed to maintain teacher numbers despite falling pupil number to create smaller class sizes. However, cash-strapped councils have been cutting teacher numbers to save money.

The university and the lecturers dispute whether five or 12 posts need to be cut.

The letter says: "We are obliged to advise you that the broad initial definition of the redundancy pool from which staff may be selected would include your post.

"Consequently, this letter is confirmation that your position at the university is now at risk of redundancy."

It adds that those chosen would lose their jobs on 31 July.