UNIVERSITY MERGERS AND STAFF IN THE HIGHER AND FURTHER EDUCATION SECTOR

Early day motion 73, tabled 13 November 2002 by Rudi Vis (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House notes the recent announcement by Imperial College London and University College London that they are considering merging, one of several possible mergers of institutions in the further and higher education sector; welcomes the Government's review of the funding of the higher education sector currently under consideration, but notes further that any merger of institutions may lead to a reduction in staff, particularly laboratory scientific and technical support staff, as a means to rationalise costs, leading to a detrimental effect on the quality of research and teaching; and calls upon the Government to ensure that its review of higher and further education also includes recognition of the importance to quality research and teaching of skilled, motivated and well-paid non-academic support staff.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 5, Conservative 2, UUP 1.