LETTER: College ruled by fear

On April 23 five people were identified as being "potentially redundant" at the college, although only two of them were on permanent contracts. These two members of staff lost their appeals to the governing body and are now considering the option of industrial tribunals, as both jobs need to be covered.

Any member of staff aged 50-plus was "encouraged" to consider early retirement linked with voluntary redundancy, where applicable. Two have done this and are retiring on a part-time basis; others are just taking early retirement.

The college is undergoing a re-structuring programme but still remains top-heavy with senior staff, who are delegating management tasks throughout the teaching staff. This results in the teaching staff having to:

a) increase the amount of time teaching;

b) reduce the non-contact time used for planning and marking

c) increase the number of hours outside the work place being used for preparation and marking

The current re-structuring programme has removed many incentive payments from academic areas and replaced them with cross-curricular posts - many of these tasks having previously been allocated to senior staff.

Many of the teaching staff were called in and told that their present allowances were being removed in the re-structuring. None of this was directed at senior management.

In view of this, staff morale is at its lowest point. The traditional ethos of Holy Cross College is being compromised and instead of being a "caring, Catholic, Christian establishment" it has now degenerated into an institution controlled by fear.

As parents we all wish to do the best for our children. In order to exercise the right of choice, it is important that all facts are available to parents, before they make their final decision regarding a college place.

CARING PROFESSIONAL

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