The Perth branch of a national lecturers union is expecting college management to explore “non-staff cost savings” in order to protect jobs amidst a near £2 million financial black hole.
That was the message from the Perth College UHI’s EIS-FELA branch secretary Sara O’Hagan, as a cross-party attempt to seek saving solutions gets underway.
Management announced the requirement for £1.925m worth of savings earlier this month due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, despite it already having plans in place to cut 21 staff jobs.
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It comes after a lack of funding sources and increasing operating costs added to an estimated £1.4m loss for the college as a direct result of COVID-19.
Last week, college principal Dr Margaret Cook stated: “This has resulted in a disproportionately heightened deficit position which has been exacerbated by an estimated £1.4m direct impact of COVID-19 on our range of income streams.
“The college will be working with our staff and trade unions to explore the viability of a range of potential mitigating actions to reduce this deficit and to work towards achieving a balanced budget within a three-year period.
“We will endeavour to achieve this with the least possible impact on our students and staff and remain committed to continuing to deliver an excellent student experience.”
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Sara O’Hagan said: “A joint union meeting took place on Wednesday (July 22) where representatives from EIS-FELA and UNISON met with Perth College management and were advised of the likely budget implications of COVID going forward.
“EIS-FELA recognises the seriousness of this situation and is committed to working with management and fellow trade unions to seek solutions that protect jobs whilst continuing to put our students at the centre of what we do.
“We expect management to explore all options, including non-staff cost savings and alternative income generation to bring about a balanced budget within three years.
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“This is a challenge facing the whole of the education sector and we hope that this will be reflected in future funding packages.
“We will be meeting regularly with management to review the situation.”
