Abertay University faces battle as former principal Bernard King refuses to accept retiral
Abertay University could be facing a prolonged battle with the man who led it for almost 20 years.
- By Grant Smith, education reporter
- Published in the Courier : 05.07.11
- Published online : 05.07.11 @ 10.49am
Professor Bernard King refused to accept his retiral from the post of principal, a move which had been hurriedly announced by management on Friday as a result of a leaked email.
He described his enforced departure as "unfair and unlawful" and confirmed that he intends to press on with an employment tribunal case. However, he did hold out the possibility of resolving the dispute through mediation.
That could give the university a way to avoid having its internal affairs exposed at a public hearing, with all its potential for acrimony and embarrassment.
The university had been planning to announce the retiral this week in a briefing to staff.
A statement released on Prof King's behalf said, "Some reports have indicated that Prof Bernard King has retired from his position as principal and vice-chancellor at the university
"Prof King wishes to clarify the position. He has indeed received correspondence from the university court intimating that he is now retired. However, this is not accepted by Prof King.
"His position is that he has not retired and he remains in dispute with the university over the terms of an extension of contract agreed with the university last year."
09.57pm - 06.07.2011 Jim Barrie - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Just cash your pay-off and go!
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