by Alana MacAskill

A PROFESSOR who launched a hate-fuelled rant against trade unionists was slapped down yesterday by Swansea University’s council chairman, who apologised “unreservedly” for the “puerile” remarks.

School of management dean Nigel Piercy used his blog to describe trade unionists as “unpleasant and grubby little people” who are “usually distinguished only by their sad haircuts, grubby, chewed fingernails and failed careers.”

But the distasteful comments sparked the ire of governing council chairman Sir Roger Jones.

“Swansea University has enjoyed an excellent relationship with its trade union partners and I am brought to consider why Professor Piercy used this crass language in his blog,” said Sir Roger.

“Academic freedom is a powerful concept, however, the right of free expression must be balanced with the need for respect for others.”

The dean’s original blogs were removed following and explosion of anger from staff and students.

Since the dean’s employment at the university in 2013, 25 members of staff have resigned over controversial changes he has made.

A petition started by Swansea student Ilana Cohen has reached over 1,000 signatures calling for the university to take action against damaging publicity caused by Prof Piercy.

Wales TUC general secretary Martin Mansfield fought back in a public article, stating concern that Prof Piercy had used Swansea University’s website to broadcast his “highly-personalised attacks on his own staff.”