Glasgow University strike threat over jobs recedes

The university says there will be no compulsory redundancies

The threat of strike action over job cuts at Glasgow University has receded after bosses ruled out compulsory redundancies.

The University and College Union (UCU) had voted for industrial action over the loss of up to 85 posts.

The university said the cuts it required could be achieved through "voluntary measures".

The UCU said later that strike action should no longer be required and it was time to consider all the options.

In a statement, the university said: "We can confirm that there will be no compulsory redundancies in either the Faculty of Education or the Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences."

The university, which is looking for cuts in teacher education, biomedical and life sciences and archaeology research - confirmed that savings targets had been achieved after a total of 28 staff in the two faculties accepted voluntary redundancy.

An unspecified number of jobs are also under threat at the university archaeological research division.

'Clear victory'

The university has agreed to give the division until December to explore alternative business models, which may allow it to re-establish its business on an independent, commercial basis.

This week members of the UCU voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action and threatened to strike if the threat of compulsory job losses was not removed.

UCU Scottish official, Mary Senior, said it was a clear victory for the union.

She added: "Glasgow University management must now consult with the unions and properly consider all the options.

"You cannot just try and force through unnecessary and punitive job cuts.

"UCU got a clear mandate for industrial action from its members, but now that the court has listened to staff, strike action should not be required."