Dundee LibDems back Stephen over concerns about job losses at the University of Dundee

8.31.00pm GMT Fri 22nd Feb 2008

University of Dundee

Dundee LibDems have today (Friday 22nd February) backed comments by the Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Scotland Nicol Stephen MSP in challenging Alex Salmond at First Minister's Question Time to take responsibility for the confirmed job losses at the University of Dundee, which are due to the SNP's cuts to Higher Education funding.

Mr Stephen said, "...the University of Dundee has confirmed significant job losses-more than 100 staff will be affected. Is that an efficiency saving or a cut? Will the lecturers and students who will suffer as a result be able to tell the difference?

"The truth is that Scotland's universities are facing a record cash crisis. Since the creation of this Parliament there has never been a real-terms cut in university funding-until now, with this First Minister."

Here in Dundee, LibDem Council Group Leader, Cllr Fraser Macpherson, said, "The SNP has totally failed higher education with a paltry financial settlement. It is very concerning that it is having such a detrimental effect on the University of Dundee."

Related Links:

Scottish Parliament : Official Report.

University plans £3m in savings - BBC.