Education secretary unable to guarantee jobs as city universities improve collaboration
The University and College Union has failed to secure a pledge from Scotland's education secretary that jobs will be protected if closer collaboration between Dundee's two universities goes ahead.
- By Craig McManamon
- Published in the Courier : 07.12.11
- Published online : 07.12.11 @ 12.55pm
Michael Russell said he was was unable to give such an assurance, saying such decisions were outwith his powers.
Mr Russell was speaking at a public meeting held in Abertay University on Tuesday. Students from across the city and beyond, as well as union representatives and student bodies, questioned the minister over the Scottish Government's white paper on proposed reforms to post-16 education.
Among many points, it suggests increasing ministerial powers in the governance of further education institutions.
Mr Russell claimed the Scottish Government is restricted by Westminster when it comes to managing higher education north of the border.
He continued: ''There is, regrettably, a huge financial pressure on the Scottish Government. In those circumstances there are compromises that have to be made on what we would like to do but the core principles have to be protected.
''I certainly feel one of the core principles is to ensure that there is academic freedom within our institutions, that there is a recognition of investing in higher education as a long-term commitment and that we have to make sure that the excellence of Scottish higher education is not damaged.
''I think also that we have believed as a society that education is based on the ability to learn and not the ability to pay.''
The Scottish Funding Council, which distributes money to Scotland's higher education establishments, has held separate talks with Abertay and Dundee University over increased collaboration. The meetings following a massive public outcry when the body ordered both to begin merger discussions in September.
After a campaign headed by The Courier the Scottish Government backed down and said there would be no merger.
Andy Samuel, honorary secretary of the Abertay branch of the University and College Union, who arranged last night's event, said change would come to Abertay but he wants to ensure it is done for the right reasons.
He added: ''We are absolutely clear that change is on the agenda not just in education but across society. We have to respond to that but in a way that protects staff and students.''
Around 30 students presented Mr Russell with their response to the post-16 consultation paper ahead of the public meeting.
Labour MSP for North East Scotland Jenny Marra joined the students.
''Both Abertay and Dundee University student associations have been clear in their opposition to any merger proposals, as well as the government's cuts to colleges,'' she said.
''It is important their voice is heard throughout this consultation as it is their future at stake.''
The Scottish Government is consulting on its proposed post-16 higher education reform paper. It aims to turn the proposals into legislation by next autumn.
02.29pm - 07.12.2011 Cory Douglas Campbell - Maryfield, Scotland Report This
The issue is simple if the students don't want forced mergers, then they just need to get their fellow EU, UK & Commonwealth registered to vote in May. They can send a real message to the SNP by voting them out of local government. If the Students don't make that effort, the SNP will merge every U&C
11.10pm - 07.12.2011 Matt, Student - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
They are left hamstrung with huge debts on leaving uni because an SNP promise at the LAST election to scrap all their debt and change loans into grants was dropped. Now this. Will my fellow students ever learn?
10.20am - 08.12.2011 Carl - Dundee, UK Report This
The SNP style is to centralize power. That being the fear must still be that they will not honor their promise to let both unis remain independent. That includes job cuts.
11.15am - 10.12.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@Matt; with free education for all Scottish domiciled students, do you really believe Scots students would have been better off if one of the three Unionist Parties had gotten power at Holyrood and imposed the £9,000/year tuition fees they favour? Scots students ARE better of with an SNP Scots govt.
10.04pm - 15.12.2011 John Jones - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Stuart. Mergers and job losses are the unavoidable result of the SNP's "free HE" posturing. Denied fee income and receiving inadequate state support, cost-cutting is now the only option left across much of Scottish HE: Duntay University, sadly, is the price we'll pay for a bankrupt funding model.
12.12pm - 16.12.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
John Jones; if you are claiming we have to choose between free education for Scots with mergers OR massive student debt with multiple institutions living cheek by jowel then I will always go with the former. Though, in reality, the choice is not so stark.
01.59pm - 17.12.2011 John Jones - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Stuart Allan: Personally I think there's far too much mediocre provision throughout the UK so am not unhappy at some Scottish shrinkage. But overseeing mergers, closures and cost-cutting across HE as a consequence of your chosen funding model looks very odd from a self-styled "progressive" party.
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