‘Extensive’ use of remote learning behind university catering jobs threat

Mount Charles, which supplies services across the university’s three main campuses, confirmed a 30-day consultation process has commenced on redundancies for staff fulfilling the catering at Belfast, Jordanstown and Coleraine.

A spokesperson for Mount Charles said: “The university has informed us that remote learning will be used extensively in the new term. We have been given no indication of actual student numbers or clarity if any catering service is required on site, therefore we are left with no option but to take this action, unfortunately.”

An Ulster University spokesperson said: “The current challenges faced by Mount Charles and the wider hospitality sector are very regrettable for all those affected.

“Matters relating to staff employed by Mount Charles should be directed to the company for response. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

Meanwhile, trade union Unison says it is very concerned for those affected.

Marianne Buick, regional organiser, said: “Our members are extremely anxious and fearful of what the next few weeks will bring. Seven years ago Ulster University outsourced its catering to Mount Charles despite our opposition. We feared that this would lead to our members’ employment becoming more precarious and unfortunately this now appears to be coming to pass.

“Since the middle of March all staff have been furloughed, receiving 80% of their pay. Mount Charles have now begun the process of consultation on redundancies with the workforce because they are concerned over uncertainty in their catering contract with the university given the ongoing Covid-19 situation. This is an unacceptable state of affairs that is leaving our members as piggy in the middle between the university and Mount Charles.

“Unison is demanding that both Ulster University and Mount Charles take all steps to protect our members from the threat of redundancy. Ulster University must engage with Unison immediately to clarify the situation in relation to catering across the three sites.”

The union went on to point out that many of the workers affected have given considerable service to the university.

“They provide a vital service and the university cannot abandon them now.

“Unison has been calling for several years for the catering service to be brought back into the university. This should now be done to protect people’s livelihoods and the catering service itself.”

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