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Staff at London Guildhall 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ are disputing the timing of a merger with the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of North London, due on August 1.

Twenty-three senior managers have now been appointed to London Metropolitan 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, the institution that will be created by the merger. But, with less than seven weeks to go, no academic heads have yet been named.

When the new heads of department are appointed, they will be expected to oversee the development of the merged undergraduate programmes and revalidate the new courses. Details must be available this autumn to meet deadlines set by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service for courses to be offered for entry in autumn 2004.

Alan Lafferty, chair of lecturers' union Natfhe at London Guildhall 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, said: "To ensure the fullest participation and best academic outcome for the presentation of degrees to the outside world, upon which our recruitment depends, it is essential that this process take place next year."