Dear colleagues,
Following last week’s decision to remove the risk of redundancy from staff in Gaelic, the University has now lifted the possibility of compulsory redundancy from remaining staff at risk in Modern Languages.
We have taken this decision against the backdrop of a strong set of proposals from staff in Modern Languages to grow income and reform the curriculum, providing a sound basis for future academic and financial sustainability. Our thanks to the many who worked so hard to formulate these comprehensive proposals, with actions already underway to ensure that the plans are implemented at pace. The University will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these actions.
We know that the ongoing uncertainty has been extremely difficult for staff affected, as well as for our wider community.
The decision to end the possibility of redundancy was taken in the context of endorsement by the University Court last week of the outcomes of the Consultation on Modern Languages, and clear signs of progress towards cost savings and income growth.
This includes continuing to offer a full range of undergraduate Joint Honours degrees in Modern Languages, Translating & Interpreting, including Gaelic, together with taught and research postgraduate programmes, and continued support for research. New interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees are also planned.
Aberdeen UCU has confirmed that the planned industrial action due to begin on 12 March will now not take place, with the dispute now at an end.
The conclusion of the consultation, the removal of the risk of redundancy and the end of this dispute with UCU provides an opportunity to move forward positively as a Modern Languages community of staff and students.
Best wishes,
Karl
Karl Leydecker
Senior Vice-Principal