King's College University staff set for strike ballot over job threat

Published: 19 March 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

STAFF at King’s College University demonstrated outside Somerset House at the weekend over plans to axe jobs.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) argue that most of the planned £27million cuts, and with it 205 posts, could be met by the university’s reserves.

Saturday’s action comes after it was announced the university’s law department would be moving into part of Somerset House under a 78-year lease deal.

The UCU has been balloting its members for strike action, with a decision due by the end of next week.

Jim Wolfreys, president of King’s College UCU said: “It is insensitive that the college is showing off a new building to alumni at exactly the same time it is planning to axe staff. Major decisions are being taken about the future of the college and the livelihoods of its staff, and yet there has been minimal consultation with those concerned.”

A spokesman for King’s said: “The college is extremely disappointed that the UCU has served formal notice of its intention to ballot for industrial action. Following discussions between UCU and King’s College London on Monday February 22, the college formally reiterated a desire to respond to the concerns raised by the UCU and to continue discussions. The college believes a ballot on industrial action before these discussions have concluded is ill advised, particularly during a time of financial strain. There is particular concern that industrial action will impact on exams and that our students, who have worked so hard towards these, will suffer as a result.”