Bath And Body

How to wash and dry your clothes

The University of Bath in Bath has been told it must ensure its staff have washing and drying facilities, in a bid to avoid losing customers to the Middle East.

The UK’s second largest university is facing a number of lawsuits alleging its policies have led to a rise in the number of thefts of washing and duster equipment.

A complaint has been filed with the Higher Education Complaints Commission (HECC) over the practice, which has resulted in a loss of thousands of dollars worth of equipment.

“The university’s policy of ensuring its employees have washing facilities is not working,” the university said in a statement.

“We understand that this is a very significant issue for our university, but it has not been adequately addressed.”

In addition, we have had a number customers in the past year who have suffered financial loss and are seeking assistance to help cover their expenses.

“The university said it had taken measures to address the issue, including installing CCTV cameras, hiring extra security staff, and offering a voucher to those who would like to purchase the necessary equipment.

The university is offering to refund any amount paid for equipment or any damage sustained in the course of a theft.”

Our staff and students are being offered the opportunity to purchase new washing and dryer equipment for a nominal fee of £1.50 per wash and/or dryer.

“If you are interested in purchasing new washing or dryer, please contact our washing and laundry centre on 01484 757 678,” the statement read.

“These are not refunds, and are solely for the benefit of customers.”

The HECC, which is looking into the complaints, said it would look at the university’s position with a view to considering a decision on the matter in the coming weeks.

“It is our intention to examine the claims in detail and, if the claims are accepted, we will consider an appropriate remedy to resolve the issue,” it said in the statement.

“Any additional costs to the university incurred in the interim will be borne by the victims.”

University of Bath vice-chancellor and chief executive, Richard Lydon, told RTE Radio 1 that the university would not be able to provide any additional support.

“This is a difficult situation for us,” he said.

“But it’s a situation that has to be addressed.

This is a business that’s struggling to get through the downturn, but this is not a business in a financial position to be asking for help.”

He said the university had already received many complaints about the issue and it was a matter for the HECS to decide.

“What we’re doing is working with a number different partners to look at it, and we’ll have to see what the Hecs take into account,” he told RTV.

“There’s nothing that we’re saying that’s going to stop it from happening.

If it’s not going to be resolved by that, then that’s a decision for the courts.”

The BBC has contacted the university for comment.