Strike ballot over Southampton University staff pay cut

The Unison members of Southampton University called for action after bosses at the Highfield site announced the cuts for staff who look after students in halls of residences.

The Residences Support staff provide help and advice throughout the night - including dealing with crises.

But Unison say they have been told by university managers that the service is "currently too expensive."

Unison’s head of higher education for the south east, Mike Wilson, said: “The University of Southampton has a highly regarded Residences Support service run by dedicated staff.

“For an employer that pays around £400,000 per year to its vice-chancellor, these imposed pay cuts on hard-working, low-paid staff are an insult.

“The staff work night shifts, and are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of around 6,000 students in the University’s halls of residence.

“Following below-inflation pay rises and the decimation of local public services, these staff just cannot afford a 20% pay cut.”

And the union says the university has "refused" to enter into negotiations.

Mr Wilson added: "Strike action is always a last resort for our members who love their jobs and their interactions with students. However, with the university refusing to negotiate, a decade of declining pay has left our members with little choice but to conduct this ballot.

“These staff are highly valued by the students but not it seems, by the university.”

A spokesperson for Southampton University said: "“The University of Southampton is unique in its approach to ‘out of hours’ support for students in halls, offering dedicated, trained staff on-shift providing an ‘awake’ service throughout the evening and overnight.

"We are continually looking for ways to improve services to meet the changing needs of our students and as such, have recently conducted a review of ‘Residences Support’.

"Whilst the university recognises the potential role of this service in supporting the student community, we are also aware that currently only one in three students living in halls are aware of its existence which is something we plan to change.

“Following a detailed consultation with staff, including extensive liaison with trade unions from which changes have been made to our original proposals, we are launching a new team dedicated to Student Life. This team will enhance the current service by moving to halls-based pastoral care, open to all students at the University, 24 hours a day, seven days a week – with a greater emphasis on proactive and preventative work.

“These improvements mean it is necessary to reorganise the current staffing structure.

“All those currently employed in the service will be given opportunities to continue working in similar roles and staff experiencing a reduction in their shift allowance for out-of-hours work will receive a compensatory payment, to recognise the change."

As previously reported, Southampton University recently announced a £300 million cash injection through a public bond, which comes in the form of a loan from city investors."

The ballot will close on June 7.