Student protestors occupy Simon Building

Student protestors from the UoM Rent Strike and Manchester Leftist Action groups have occupied the Simon Building on campus.

The protestors entered the building last night, after leaving the Samuel Alexander and Engineering buildings. They had been occupying the buildings since last Wednesday.

The groups are demanding that the University give in to the demands set out by the University Colleges Union, the demands from the UoM Rent Strike and give every student £1,500 to top up their government maintenance loan in line with inflation.

In a statement, the University said:

“Students remain in the John Owens Building and have left the Samuel Alexander and Engineering building. We are aware of a small number of individuals gaining unauthorised access to the Simon Building 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.”

In an interview with Manchester Media Group last week, an occupier said they were to remain indefinitely in the occupation, and they have yet to confirm otherwise.