Lancaster University Department of Continuing Education (DCE) is under threat. The university’s Vice Chancellor announced a “reduction in activities” which could leave thousands of part-time students unable to complete their studies. It is also an explicit threat to the jobs of the forty staff in DCE – staff are already being encouraged to look for other employment – and 200 part-time tutors.

A petition has been launched here demanding:

1. A withdrawal of the threat of compulsory redundancies.

2. Proper, detailed consultation with campus unions.

3. A continuing Lancaster University Adult Education provision in the region.

4. A disclosure to DCE staff and campus trade unions of the full rationale for this decision.

5. Staff in DCE to be as fully involved as possible in any review of their Department.

6. Pending the results of any review, DCE to be given a 2 year breathing space to allow students to finish their courses and for staff to find other funding sources.