51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Dear Sir,

The dismissal of Damien and Jennifer Markey by the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ 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 the press about potential misuse of public funding by university management - a charge which they both deny. There are serious concerns about the university¡¯s handling of the process; the Markeys were not given appropriate notice prior to their disciplinary hearings, and much of the evidence presented against them 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, these 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 the stories in question have since denied that the Markeys were the source of the information, and it has been highlighted that much of the allegedly leaked information is publically available on the university website. It is our view that Damien and Jennifer Markey were singled out by the university leadership because of their trade union activity. As a branch secretary for the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ 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 the vice-chancellor and the university governors to urgently reinstate Damien and Jennifer Markey; this attempt to silence criticism cannot be tolerated.

Yours,

Liz Lawrence
President, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ and College Union

Jane Lovatt
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Bolton,

Neill Gorton
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Bolton

Nicola Graham-Kevan
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Central Lancashire

Malcolm Povey
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Leeds

Richard Hudson
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ College London

Eric Olson
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Sheffield

Will Kaufman
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Central Lancashire

Willy Maley
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Glasgow

Stephen Constantine
Lancaster 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Philippa Browning
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Manchester

Gregory Woods
Nottingham Trent 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Frank Chambers
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Gloucestershire

Julian Williams
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Manchester

Dan Rigby
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Manchester

Toby Knowles
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Bristol

Michael Loughlin
Manchester Metropolitan 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Alan Rice
51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Central Lancashire