Dundee University staff vote to strike over 195 job cuts

More than 100 university staff have voted for strike action in an attempt to prevent compulsory redundancies.

Dundee University is looking to shed 195 jobs through voluntary redundancy and says compulsory redundancy would only be considered as a "last resort".

A total of 209 staff voted in the Dundee University and College Union (DUCU) ballot, with 135 opting for strike action, a spokesman for Dundee University said.

The spokesman added: "We are extremely disappointed at DUCU's decision to hold this ballot. We do not believe this is in the best interests of staff or students across the university.

"The number of votes cast equates to less than 10 per cent of all academic and related staff at the university - 2,180 staff, 209 votes cast in ballot - of which 135 have voted for strike action, and also 173 for action short of a strike.

"In recent weeks there have been a number of meetings between senior management of the university, representatives of DUCU and the UCU Scottish official to seek to resolve the issues that led to DUCU initiating a notice of failure to agree and the subsequent ballot on industrial action.

"These meetings have been productive and the university's strong view is that continued discussion will be the most sensible and productive course of action for all parties.

"The university remains firmly committed to working constructively to avoid the need for compulsory redundancies and to do so through a range of measures."

It is thought the union is open to continuing meetings and discussions with the university.

In October last year, the university outlined an overall reduction in staff numbers of up to 195 posts during a strategic review.

The institution launched the review in late 2009 to highlight areas for development across all four colleges. The job cuts are expected to generate an annual saving of 8 million and would affect all colleges as well as university-wide support services.

The School of Medicine would be worst hit under the proposals, with 20 jobs facing the axe.

Some 75 staff members from the university-wide support services could also lose their jobs.