A trade union has accused UHI Outer Hebrides of acting unfairly over its move to make 12 nursery staff redundant.
The college is proposing compulsory redundancies but only provides a consultation timeline of just two weeks, allowing “no time for proper consideration” of counter-
This follows the shock announcement from the college formerly known as Lews Castle College to close An Cotan nursery citing severe staffing issues and financial losses.
The union says it has entered a formal dispute with the college demands a meeting with its senior management team.
It also urges a halt to any planned closure until a fair form of consultation is agreed.
Lorcan Mullen of Unison Scotland said: “I am genuinely shocked to see such drastic proposals in a public sector employer with this level of consultation.
“We have been able to hold the line against compulsory redundancies in the college sector for many years, including in the worst days of the pandemic, and we will not allow UHI Outer Hebrides to cross that line without a fight.
“A two week consultation flies in the face of Scottish Government guidance on fair work practices, and we will be raising this matter with their officials this week.”
Childcare provision is already a major issue in the island community, and the loss of this service will be a “severe blow” to parents and carers, she added.
“We call on political representatives at all levels to support the workers and families affected by this, making sure all options are fully explored before redundancies and closure are decided by the college’s board.”
She added: “If any political representative wants to work with Unison to save a crucial service and much-
The college has not responded to a request for comment.
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