Urgent union talks to be held as university confirms 165 job losses
URGENT UNION meetings are to be held today after the vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford confirmed around 165 jobs are to be lost amidst a “tough” operating environment.
Citing a fall in student applications, changes to funding, and an increasingly competitive market, Brian Cantor said the university has been left with a considerable financial challenge.
In a letter to staff, seen by
he warned there will be “significant continued cost reductions”, with a major drive to double the number of international students over three years.
Unions across campus are to host a joint extraordinary general meeting today to form a response.
“The University and College Union has written to the university asking for clarification of what the university’s plans will mean for staff,” a spokesman said. “We are still waiting for a response.
“Union members from all the campus trade unions will be meeting today to discuss the proposals. UCU will oppose any attempts to make compulsory redundancies.”
In the letter, Mr Cantor had warned that student applications from UK students had fallen, and would likely continue to fall at the university. Changes to funding such as bursaries for nurses, alongside an increasingly competitive market, contributed to a “much tougher” operating and recruitment environment, he said.
Adding that the university has improved the quality of its support, holding its own in the undergraduate market, it is now “not able to move into the investment-led growth phase” planned.
“This leaves us with a significant financial challenge, which will require hard work on our budgets for the next few years, including significant continued cost reductions and a major drive to grow our international student numbers,” he said.
A spokesman for the university has confirmed that staff numbers must be reduced by approximately 200 roles, down to around 165 through vacancies and other schemes.
The university will continue to invest in academic developments, he stressed, maintaining and improving academic provision and research.
But, he added, the university must be “remodelled”, with proposals put forward for the mergers of some faculties and directorates, reducing costs in top-tier management, as well as to reduce in size.
“The University of Bradford, along with other universities, is facing an extremely challenging time as the higher education sector becomes more market-driven and competitive,” the spokesman said, adding that the university is working with unions to minimise compulsory redundancies.
“We recognise that this period will be challenging for all concerned but full support will be provided for all staff and students through this time of change.”