University commits to improving communication of Academic Change Proposal
SafeWork NSW has lifted a prohibition notice it imposed on the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) that forced a temporary halt on planned job cuts amid allegations of risk of psychological harm.
UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt told a Senate inquiry on Monday that the notice was lifted on Friday afternoon.
"On Friday, based on the work we have done over the course of the period with health and safety representatives and in relation to changes mainly to the distribution of information, SafeWork has removed the prohibition notice," Parfitt told the Senate.
The vice-chancellor said they engaged with a SafeWork inspector on Friday to adjust the timing and the nature of the communication of their Academic Change Proposal.
"The subject of the discussion with SafeWork and with health and safety representatives was around the nature of how that information should be provided to staff, particularly those staff who potentially are impacted by the change proposals in a variety of different ways, which may include not only redundancy but also line management changes and other forms of change," he added.
The workplace regulator confirmed the development to HRD.
"SafeWork NSW can confirm the University of Technology Sydney has taken appropriate action to comply with the prohibition notice by 5 September," the spokesperson said.
"SafeWork NSW is committed to supporting businesses in meeting their compliance obligations to provide a working environment that supports worker safety and wellbeing during all phases of business operations, including times of change."
Prohibition notice temporarily halts restructure plans
The prohibition notice issued last week temporarily blocked the university's plan to release its Academic Change Proposal, which is part of a broader initiative to cut $100 million in costs.
The notice prevented the university officials from holding the meetings related to the change proposal that were scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday last week.
The notice was issued after SafeWork received an anonymous complaint alleging that the restructure posed psychological risks to staff and that there was inadequate consultation on the changes.
Parfitt told the Senate that any job losses at the university would be subject to a consultation about the nature of the change and the options that are available.
"Those are contained in change proposals that are intended to be released," he said.
Glen Babington, UTS chief operating officer and vice-president, added that they also met with worker representatives and refined their approach in notifying people on when they would be requested to meet.
"So that we could give them fair warning before a change proposal by which they may be impacted was presented," he said. "That's from a range of issues, whether it be a change of reporting line, a change in the nature of the job or a case of redundancy, where they would be given opportunity to be placed in or to reapply for new roles.
"The commitment we made to the regulator was that we would continue to consult and take the advice and make those decisions with the staff member at front of mind."
