Open University staff to strike over closures

OPEN University (OU) staff have voted to strike over up to 500 job losses and the closure of seven offices – including one in Birmingham.

The University and College Union (UCU), said managers were alone in thinking the plans were a good idea.

But a spokesman for the Milton Keynes-based university, quoted on the BBC, said: “We do not believe industrial action will lead to anything positive, either for our staff or students.

“The proposals to replace seven smaller support centres in England with three larger centres would allow us to invest more in student support.”

UCU branch members will meet next week to decide when the strike will take place and how long they would walk out.

Pauline Collins of the UCU said: “The only people who still seem to think that axing 500 jobs and closing down seven regional Open University centres is a good idea are the senior managers.

“We hope managers will now see sense and work with us to deliver changes that will not be so devastating for the staff, students or future of the Open University.”

The Open University’s Birmingham operation is based in Harborne.