LECTURER Damian Markey and his wife Jennifer Markey have been sacked for allegedly leaking information about a university vice-chancellor.

Mr Markey, a senior lecturer at the University of Bolton, was dismissed last week, while Ms Markey, an academic administrator, was sacked on Monday.

Mr Markey said he was accused of making malicious statements about colleagues, leaking information to the media aimed at damaging the university and bringing the institution into disrepute — charges he denied.

Mr Markey is a member of the University and College Union (UCU), which said he was sacked because of his trade union activities. His wife is a member of Unison.

Both unions have said they will appeal against the decisions and that union members will meet to decide their next move.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “These sackings are completely unjustified and quite staggering. There was no investigation and the whole sorry episode has ridden roughshod over the university’s own procedures.

“In our view what Bolton has done is unlawful and represents trade union victimisation and they can expect to face the full force of the national union. We will be appealing these decisions as well as instructing our lawyers.”

The university claims procedures have been followed and as yet no appeal has been lodged.

Unison north-west regional secretary Kevan Nelson added: “The university has treated Jenny very unfairly and they have not followed the normal procedure. We will be supporting Jenny through the appeal process.

“We are alarmed that the university has taken this arbitrary and vindictive decision and we will be challenging this by all available means, including legal action.”

by Our News Desk