Troubled science centre cuts jobs

Talks with staff and unions at the centre are now underway

Glasgow Science Centre is to cut 28 jobs amid concerns over funding.

The move will reduce the number of full-time staff from its current level of 130.

Centre chief executive Kirk Ramsay said the decision was a "direct consequence" of a 40% reduction in core funding from the Scottish Government.

But ministers said the country's four science centres were receiving "record" funding and would be able to bid for a share of £250,000 in additional cash.

Mr Ramsay said that some staff could be redeployed at the centre but 10% of those affected were likely to leave "in the immediate future".

"Despite widespread media and parliamentary attention on this issue and despite Glasgow Science Centre's repeated requests for a response and dialogue with the Scottish Government, we have received no reply," he said.

"We now, unfortunately, have no option but to act in order to secure Glasgow Science Centre's future.

We are planning to phase in a fairer and more sustainable funding package for Scotland's four science centres, based on visitor numbers Scottish Government spokeswoman

"The centre will now be forced to streamline its operations to safeguard its core mission of education but as funding from the Scottish Government is set to dip even further over a three-year period, it is likely that further changes will have to be made in the future."

Mr Ramsay said the centre's role should be pivotal to science education plans being developed by Scottish ministers.

He said that despite its successful track-record, Glasgow Science Centre was the only one in Scotland to have its funding cut.

But the Scottish Government denied that there was any funding crisis at the heart of the decision and said the running of the centre was a matter for its board.

A spokeswoman said: "The total budget to support Scotland's four science centres will increase from £2.43m a year in 2007/2008 to £2.56m a year over the next three years.

'Transition period'

"Around half of this record public support will still go to the Glasgow Science Centre.

"We are planning to phase in a fairer and more sustainable funding package for Scotland's four science centres, based on visitor numbers, and the Glasgow Science Centre will also benefit from a two-year transition period.

"The government also announced this week additional funding of £250,000 which all science centres will bid for to help them work with primary school teachers to improve their skills and help them inspire young people to become Scotland's scientists of the future."

The spokeswoman said government officials were working with management at the Glasgow Science Centre to ensure its "continued success".

Glasgow Central Labour MP, Mohammad Sarwar MP, whose constituency covers the Science Centre, said he would hold "crisis talks" with management.

He accused the Scottish Government of a "total lack of support for a unique and award-winning facility" and said additional funding announced lately had been "little more than an plaster on a gaping wound".

A review of operations is now under way at the Glasgow attraction.

Discussions have also started with staff members affected by the job cuts and unions.