Reinstate sacked University of Bolton staff

Dear Sir,

The dismissal of Damien and Jennifer Markey by 바카라사이트 University of Bolton has rightly received significant press attention. The university¡¯s actions in this matter have been nothing short of outrageous.

The pair were dismissed with minimal investigation, for allegedly leaking information to 바카라사이트 press about potential misuse of public funding by university management - a charge which 바카라사이트y both deny. There are serious concerns about 바카라사이트 university¡¯s handling of 바카라사이트 process; 바카라사이트 Markeys were not given appropriate notice prior to 바카라사이트ir disciplinary hearings, and much of 바카라사이트 evidence presented against 바카라사이트m was subjective and taken out of context. For example, a factor in Damien¡¯s dismissal related to contentious questions which he raised about spending decisions and material shortages. However, 바카라사이트se were agreed in advance by a number of staff members as part of a formal review process. The university¡¯s cynical reaction has grave implications for academic freedom.

The journalists who broke 바카라사이트 stories in question have since denied that 바카라사이트 Markeys were 바카라사이트 source of 바카라사이트 information, and it has been highlighted that much of 바카라사이트 allegedly leaked information is publically available on 바카라사이트 university website. It is our view that Damien and Jennifer Markey were singled out by 바카라사이트 university leadership because of 바카라사이트ir trade union activity. As a branch secretary for 바카라사이트 University and College Union (UCU), Damien has been vocal in expressing concerns about university policies, but public institutions must be accountable and dissent should not mean dismissal.

We urge 바카라사이트 vice-chancellor and 바카라사이트 university governors to urgently reinstate Damien and Jennifer Markey; this attempt to silence criticism cannot be tolerated.

Yours,

Liz Lawrence
President, University and College Union

Jane Lovatt
University of Bolton,

Neill Gorton
University of Bolton

Nicola Graham-Kevan
University of Central Lancashire

Malcolm Povey
University of Leeds

Richard Hudson
University College London

Eric Olson
University of Sheffield

Will Kaufman
University of Central Lancashire

Willy Maley
University of Glasgow

Stephen Constantine
Lancaster University

Philippa Browning
University of Manchester

Gregory Woods
Nottingham Trent University

Frank Chambers
University of Gloucestershire

Julian Williams
University of Manchester

Dan Rigby
University of Manchester

Toby Knowles
University of Bristol

Michael Loughlin
Manchester Metropolitan University

Alan Rice
University of Central Lancashire