Uni set to shed around 50 senior jobs – union
THE union representing staff at Coventry University has said around 50 of its most senior academic jobs are at risk.
The university has reviewed its staffing structures and confirmed it is proposing a “reduction in senior roles” but has not confirmed the number of jobs at risk.
It says the move is in the best interest of students and taxpayers, adding that colleagues and unions were being consulted as part of a 45-day consultation period.
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from a union representing staff.
The restructuring comes at a time when the higher education sector nationally faces funding pressures brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, including a possible multi-billion fall in tuition fee income from international students.
However, the University and College Union (UCU) accused the leadership of a “knee jerk” reaction to the impact of the health crisis.
UCU regional official Anne O’sullivan said: ‘These plans would result in Coventry University losing around 50 of its most senior academic staff with a similar number forced onto inferior contracts with lower pay and increased workloads.
“Staff will be meeting shortly to decide to respond to these proposals but this approach is certainly not in the best interest of staff or students.
“We understand that universities face problems from the Covid-19 crisis but Coventry needs to work with us to secure funding from Government to defend its academic capacity, rather than this type of knee-jerk reaction which will harm the university’s long term prospects.”
The move comes amid a backdrop of unrest between staff and leadership at the university that pre-dates the coronavirus outbreak.
One of the existing battlegrounds has been an appraisal system which resulted in staff taking strike action in January 2020.
The university made no mention of the Covid-19 outbreak as it responded to reports of possible job losses this week, referring only to an existing restructuring. It did not say how many jobs are at risk.
A spokesman said: “At times, it is necessary to review our structures and how we operate to provide the best experience for our students, alongside value for them and the taxpayers who underwrite the fees of UK students.
“At the end of last year, this meant we made a significant number of Associate Head of School and Deputy Head of School roles permanent positions, providing stability for a large number of colleagues.
“We now need to review the remaining senior, teaching focused roles to ensure a greater focus on course delivery and student experience. We are proposing to introduce Subject Lead roles across all disciplines which will effectively replace the existing Associate Professor Teaching roles. These proposed changes would result in a reduction in senior roles across our four faculties.
“We are currently consulting with colleagues and recognised trade unions on the proposed changes and their feedback will inform final decisions, which will be communicated at the end of the 45-day consultation period.
“We will continue to support colleagues affected by these changes as much as we can.”