Following the disgraceful news that the University are closing the Sociology department and closing the Media, Culture and Society degree with the loss of 19 jobs the University of Birmingham Branch UNISON Executive Committee has agreed support the campaign to keep the department open.

The closure follows on from cutbacks to CSSD and INLOGOV and we are aware of further possible cuts to CREES and CURS. It is very likely that there will be cuts to programmes in other colleges and departments with Undergraduate programmes currently under review in a range of colleges.

We are supporting a protest next Wednesday, 18th November at 1pm in front of Aston Webb. Please come along in your lunchbreak, even if it’s only for 15 minutes to show your support for the campaign and for your workmates. We will have UNISON placards there for people to hold if they wish.

We would also encourage you to sign the online petition and ask your friends and family to sign it as well. You can sign it at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepsociologyatbirmingham/

A website has also been set up at http://www.keepsociologyatbirmingham.com

Matt Raine

Branch Secretary

Unison, University of Birmingham Branch