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University of Nottingham plans to cut more than 250 jobs | University of Nottingham plans to cut more than 250 jobs |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The University of Nottingham says it is considering reducing the number of professional service roles by 258 | The University of Nottingham says it is considering reducing the number of professional service roles by 258 |
More than 250 jobs could be cut at the University of Nottingham. | More than 250 jobs could be cut at the University of Nottingham. |
The university said on Tuesday it had launched a 90-day consultation, outlining its proposals, which also included the removal of a further 98 vacant jobs. | The university said on Tuesday it had launched a 90-day consultation, outlining its proposals, which also included the removal of a further 98 vacant jobs. |
It is considering reducing the number of professional service roles by 258 - from a total workforce of about 5,000 - which covers a wide range of non-academic positions. | It is considering reducing the number of professional service roles by 258 - from a total workforce of about 5,000 - which covers a wide range of non-academic positions. |
University president and vice-chancellor Prof Jane Norman said it was a "critical moment for universities across the UK". | University president and vice-chancellor Prof Jane Norman said it was a "critical moment for universities across the UK". |
University president and vice-chancellor Prof Jane Norman said the university was working with unions to offer support to staff | |
She said the sector was "grappling with significant financial challenges", in part caused by a fall in revenues. | She said the sector was "grappling with significant financial challenges", in part caused by a fall in revenues. |
This has been made worse by a fall in the number of international students and the ongoing effect of the rising cost of living, she added. | This has been made worse by a fall in the number of international students and the ongoing effect of the rising cost of living, she added. |
Last month, the University and College Union (UCU) said up to 10,000 university jobs could be at risk this academic year because of the "unprecedented crisis" in higher education. | Last month, the University and College Union (UCU) said up to 10,000 university jobs could be at risk this academic year because of the "unprecedented crisis" in higher education. |
Universities UK, which represents 141 institutions, called for "sustained action" from the government to bring financial stability to the sector. | Universities UK, which represents 141 institutions, called for "sustained action" from the government to bring financial stability to the sector. |
The Department for Education (DfE) said the government had "inherited a sector facing serious financial risk" and taken "tough decisions" to address it. | The Department for Education (DfE) said the government had "inherited a sector facing serious financial risk" and taken "tough decisions" to address it. |
It comes after Cardiff University confirmed plans to cut 400 full-time jobs amid a funding shortfall. | It comes after Cardiff University confirmed plans to cut 400 full-time jobs amid a funding shortfall. |
Working with unions | |
"Our staff numbers have increased significantly faster than our student numbers," Prof Norman said. | "Our staff numbers have increased significantly faster than our student numbers," Prof Norman said. |
"Change for any organisation is a difficult and painful process, and we fully appreciate that this announcement will cause uncertainty for many of our colleagues. | "Change for any organisation is a difficult and painful process, and we fully appreciate that this announcement will cause uncertainty for many of our colleagues. |
"Our proposals are in no way a reflection of the dedication, hard work and ability of our staff, but the current financial picture means we must focus our efforts on where we are best positioned to thrive." | "Our proposals are in no way a reflection of the dedication, hard work and ability of our staff, but the current financial picture means we must focus our efforts on where we are best positioned to thrive." |
She said the university was working with unions to offer support to staff, and added: "We know that students may also have concerns as a result of hearing this news, and I would like to reassure them that our commitment to delivering the highest academic standards and the best student experience while at Nottingham remains unchanged." | She said the university was working with unions to offer support to staff, and added: "We know that students may also have concerns as a result of hearing this news, and I would like to reassure them that our commitment to delivering the highest academic standards and the best student experience while at Nottingham remains unchanged." |
Andreas Bieler, the university's UCU representative, said he was concerned for his members and for the offering students would receive in future | |
Andreas Bieler, a professor of political economy and the UCU representative at the university, said his members were "really disappointed" at the announcement. | |
"This is really a watershed moment in the University of Nottingham's history, and we are really concerned about the job security of our members," he said. | |
"For students, we are worried the service will go down even further. | |
"We have to remember that last year, almost 300 people left the university on a voluntary redundancy scheme. | |
"Who is going to pick up the work which is left when these colleagues have gone?" | |
A spokesperson for the university added the institution had tried to reduce costs in a sustainable manner. | A spokesperson for the university added the institution had tried to reduce costs in a sustainable manner. |
This included a reduction of budgets, a freeze on staff recruitment for all but the most critical roles, removing £40m from its planned spend, and reducing travel. | This included a reduction of budgets, a freeze on staff recruitment for all but the most critical roles, removing £40m from its planned spend, and reducing travel. |
In addition, the university said it had committed to reducing the size of the estate by 20%, including commencing the sale of King's Meadow Campus. | In addition, the university said it had committed to reducing the size of the estate by 20%, including commencing the sale of King's Meadow Campus. |
Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. | Follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. |