University to cut 200 jobs and axe courses

A spokesperson for the University of Huddersfield said the sector was in “financial crisis”

Nearly 200 jobs are to be cut at the University of Huddersfield and a number of courses axed, it has been confirmed.

In a statement the institution said the sector was in “financial crisis” and the move was “a proactive effort to secure a dynamic and sustainable future for our university”.

Gary Allen, from the University and College Union (UCU) said the cuts amounted to one in ten staff losing their jobs and warned they would have a “devastating impact”.

At least 12 courses are expected to be cut, including geography, sociology, maths and health and social care.

The university said it was facing a budget deficit in 2023-24, which had been “further exacerbated” by a decline in international students – something it blamed on a change in government policy.

The spokesperson also said: “Since 2012, UK undergraduate tuition fees have increased by only 2.8%, from £9k to £9.25k, despite inflation surging by over 50%.

“This has precipitated a financial crisis in the university sector, affecting many institutions including ours.”

Responding to confirmation of the job losses, Mr Allen said: “Cuts of this scale would have a devastating impact on staff, students and the local community.”

He also accused the university of spending “tens of millions of pounds” on two new buildings.

He said: “While there are financial pressures across the sector the university has money in the bank and does not need to make such brutal cuts.

“If it refuses to see sense, we will fight this wanton destruction.”

Unison’s University of Huddersfield branch secretary Steve Howe added: “This is an incredibly unsettling time for staff, and will have consequences students at the university too.

“The university needs to consider other options to address the pressures it faces without resorting to these drastic measures.”

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