Union passes no confidence vote in UHI Moray bosses
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A lecturers’ union has passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership team at UHI Moray.
The EIS FELA union vote comes after it was claimed that a quarter of jobs at the Elgin-based institution will be cut as part of a recovery plan to balance the books.
If the plan goes ahead it will leave only three degree courses and 15 HNCs on the curriculum.
In addition, the Beechtree training restaurant for hospitality students, where the public can eat, will be closed.
However there will be an increase in the number of modern apprenticeships on offer at UHI Moray.
Alistair Fowlie, the union’s branch convener, said: "Some of the issues have been long-standing, but this is now a crisis.
"Members feel there’s been no consultation on this proposal and no thought on the impact this will have on the community, staff and students.
"Removing experienced staff and cutting courses means we’re not going to be able to meet the needs of the community."
Meanwhile, Cartiona McBain, the union's branch secretary said: "There’s not been one ounce of compassion from the senior leadership team towards staff being thrown into uncertainty and turmoil.
"That’s resulting in staff putting their homes up for sale. We’ve had colleagues in tears over this. Some are actively looking for other employment and rethinking their livelihoods.
"It’s been like a bomb.
"The proposal very much seems to be a done deal – that’s what it feels like to staff."
Both Ms McBain and Mr Fowlie also criticised cuts in funding to college from the Scottish Government.
David Patterson, the principal, said: "UHI Moray is a successful and well-run college, but we are not immune to the impact of on-going real-terms cuts in government funding.
"This is an incredibly difficult time for all of us here in UHI Moray.
"In these unprecedented times we need, more than ever, constructive relationships and feedback from our trades unions and our staff to ensure that our plans and processes are the best they can be for the future of our college, our staff, our students and our wider community."
Mr Patterson said the recovery plan was shared with staff on January 19, with four Q&A sessions being held since.
An email helpline has also been set up where feedback can be sent.
Mr Patterson highlighted a Scottish Funding Council forecast that 20% of further education sector jobs would have to go to balance budgets.
He also gave assurances that no jobs would be lost before the summer recess to allow current students continuity of study.
