University lecturers go on strike

The university has rejected claims it is sidelining the union

Hundreds of students have had lectures disrupted as teaching staff went on strike at Nottingham Trent University.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) said bosses had cut the number of hours their officers could spend on official duties.

They claimed this was part of an attempt to weaken the part the union plays in the university.

But managers said they were just trying to bring these roles in line with national standards.

The UCU picketed a number of campus buildings during the 24-hour action.

Academic year

Mark Weinstein, from the union, said: "The university has effectively torn up the existing agreement that we have that governs the way trade unions and management meet at Nottingham Trent University.

"The consultation and negotiation forums that we have had for many years have effectively been put in the bin.

"And the university are looking to put in a new set of arrangements that we say are severely detrimental to academics here."

However the university authorities said its had repeatedly and categorically stated that it had not de-recognised the union nor did it intend to do so.

It also said it regretted the action being timed for the start of the academic year and the disruption it would cause to new students.