University workers vote to strike over job cuts

Workers at the the University of Nottingham have voted to carry out industrial action

Staff at the University of Nottingham have voted to carry out strike action over more than 250 proposed job cuts.

Earlier this year the university carried out a consultation on plans to reduce its workforce, including the removal of 98 vacant posts.

In total, the university plans to cut 356 positions, which union Unison said saw staff "bearing the brunt of cost-cutting".

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said it "respected" employees' rights to take industrial action.

They said: "We remain committed to meaningful dialogue and have been engaging with trade union representatives throughout the process.

"The proposals are part of our Future Nottingham programme, which outlines ambitious future plans, while addressing the serious financial challenges facing the higher education sector.

"We will continue to work with union representatives to address their concerns while ensuring the university's long-term sustainability."

Unison said more than three quarters of staff who voted were in favour of the strike

Unison said the strikes, as yet unscheduled, would see professional services workers including security officers, library personnel and administrators walking out.

It said 78% of staff who voted backed strike action over the plans.

Elliot Dean, Unison East Midlands head of higher education, said: "No one takes the decision to strike lightly but these workers feel they're made to pay the price of poor decision-making by university bosses."