NEARLY 70 jobs have been saved as university bosses confirm a new catering contract.

Staff currently employed by Cordia but working at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) feared redundancy when the university ended its contract with the an arm’s length council company,

As told in the Evening Times, campus wide protests were organised by Glasgow Caledonian Combined Union Committee in support of threatened staff.

But, following nearly a year of uncertainty, GCU bosses have announced a new contract with BaxterStorey.

Cordia staff will be given the opportunity to transfer to BaxterStorey under TUPE regulations.

Jeremy Wood, Regional Managing Director of BaxterStorey, said: “We understand the complexities of providing hospitality services for universities - ensuring staff, students and visitors alike are provided with fresh and nutritious food that’s convenient and a great source of energy, conducive to productivity and learning.

"We are delighted to be working with Glasgow Caledonian University and look forward to surprising and delighting our customers with delicious seasonal menus and great service.”

The university has worked with the new providers to secure the transition and BaxterStorey will provide full training to all staff who choose to transfer to the new employer.

Contract changes came as part of GCU's £32million Heart of the Campus redevelopment.

BaxterStorey is the new hospitality provider for the campus and the five-year agreement will start in May.

The firm currently provides hospitality services to a number of universities, colleges, distribution centres and corporate head offices in Scotland, as well as running the Chef Academy Scotland.

Following the completion of the Heart of the Campus redevelopment, which provides new state-of-the-art learning and social spaces for students and staff, the university had requirements for a new model of delivering catering services.

BaxterStorey will make opportunities available for student employment and create a Graduate Trainee Programme.

Gerry Milne, Chief Financial Officer and Vice-Principal Infrastructure, said: “BaxterStorey impressed with its commitment to sourcing locally, producing fresh food, competitive pricing, and its approach to student engagement.

"Our £32m redevelopment has transformed the look and feel of our city centre campus and we are delighted to facilitate the very best in catering services for our students, staff and visitors.”