I joined UCU members and students at Sussex on Thursday because I am very concerned about the proposals for cuts at Sussex University and the way in which they are being implemented. The Labour government has delivered 25% more funding since 1997 and this is the first year that funding has been cut. However, the cuts currently under review are also a result of the way in which the university has been managed in the past few years.

Staff at Sussex have told me that the University has been in financial difficulty for a number of years and that some cuts are due to bad management and poor financial decisions made in the past. They’re also telling me that they have suggested alternatives including part-time hours or taking extended unpaid leave to protect jobs, but that these options are not being fully considered. More time is needed for adequate scrutiny and analysis of a package of measures which could make or break the future of the University of Sussex. I am opposed to compulsory redundancies and concerned at the disproportionate number of trade union reps that seem to be included in the redundancy pools.

I want to see proper consultation and transparency in the process that is now taking place to make Sussex a viable and successful academic institution. However, it is important to preserve its culture as a place of education and learning rather than a business generating profits. The introduction of more senior managers and increasing the ratio of students to teaching staff concerns me.

At a time when the Labour government are investing in sexual health awareness, it does not make sense for the Unisex service for students on campus to be closed. It may not be part of the ‘core business’ of a university to provide such a service but preventing the transmission of STIs will make a difference to many young people’s lives – in some cases, the difference between being able to have a family or not.

Equally, I am concerned that the loss of childcare on site will disproportionately impact on disadvantaged students, and staff or students who are lone parents. I understand that the University has not yet been in touch with Brighton and Hove Young People's Trust about where an additional 80 childcare places can be provided for students and staff at Sussex university if this service is closed.

Along with the three MPs and Simon Burgess, candidate for Kemptown, I have met with UCU reps, Senate members, students and the NUS to hear their concerns. The MPs have met with the Vice-Chancellor, and Simon and I met with Simon Fanshawe, Chair of the Council to discuss the issues raised. I joined the UCU and students on the picket line on Thursday at the University of Sussex to oppose the cuts at Sussex and the way in which they are being implemented.

I have watched the videos of the demonstration that were sent to me and David Lepper MP, Celia Barlow MP and Des Turner MP have asked for an enquiry into the actions of the police and the subsequent suspension of six students following the recent demonstration. I am pleased the Sussex six have been reinstated, one incident should not be allowed to damage their education over the long-term.

Tags: Sussex Uni

Posted on March 24, 2010 in Education, Trades Unions.