University of Manchester students occupy three campus buildings amid rent strike and call for a 30 per cent cut on monthly payments

• The students are also call for refund on some fees already paid to help with rent  
• Three campus buildings have been occupied as part of the students’ rent strike 
• The occupations have been coordinated to coincide with the UCU strikes

University of Manchester students have occupied three campus buildings as part of a rent strike, with reports that security are unable to get inside.

Last month, hundreds of students announced they would be withholding rent, and claim that they’ve been forced to use food banks and get full-time jobs while studying to make ends meet.

The students are calling for university bosses to concede to a 30 per cent cut on their monthly payments and refund some fees already paid to help with the affordability of rent for the year.

University of Manchester students have occupied three campus buildings as part of a rent strike, with reports that security are unable to get inside

They student protests is also calling for the demands of the current industrial action by the UCU (University and College Union). 

It’s understood the three buildings that have been occupied are the Engineering building, the Samuel Alexander building, and the ‘high security’ senior management John Owens buildings – where the Vice Chancellor is located.

The students occupying the John Owens building say they have locked or barricaded every entrance with furniture, stopping security from entering the building.

Last month, hundreds of students announced they would be withholding rent, and claim that they’ve been forced to use food banks nd get full-time jobs while studying to make ends meet

The occupations have been coordinated to coincide with the UCU strikes which begin on the morning of Feb 9 and will see more than 70,000 university staff walk out.

Pictures from the occupied buildings show signs which have been erected outside, which say: ‘We demand affordable rent. 

Nancy earns £260k,’ referring to the university president and vice chancellor, Nancy Rothwell.

Another sign reads: ‘This building is occupied. Students are not cash cows.’ 

Another says: ‘University puts profits over students and workers.’

The students are calling for university bosses to concede to a 30 per cent cut on their monthly payments and refund some fees already paid to help with the affordability of rent for the year

A University of Manchester spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of a small number of individuals gaining unauthorised access to three university-owned buildings overnight. 

‘Our primary concern is the health and safety of those people who are currently occupying the buildings.

‘We are aware of some doors and entrances being barricaded and locked and are emphasising our concerns for their safety in the event of an emergency incident. The normal working of the university is continuing. We continue to monitor the situation carefully.’

Source: Read Full Article