University jobs under threat amid changes
Unions warn more than 100 roles could be lost in restructuring
THE University of Gloucestershire has “commenced a programme of rebalancing” which could result in more than 100 redundancies.
The Securing a Sustainable Future programme has reportedly been in discussion for a couple of months
And UNISON, the public sector union, has been notified that a large portion of savings could be found from redundancies.
A university spokesman said the decision came on the back of a demographic fall in the number of 18 year olds, competition and the cap on what they are permitted to charge home undergraduate students.
He said the university is planning “both to reduce pay and non-pay costs and to look for new opportunities to earn income”.
The impact of external costs such as staff pensions were also a contributory factor.
A university statement added: “By acting in a timely and carefully managed way now, we will ensure University of Gloucestershire will become a stronger university, better equipped to meet future needs.”
A newly-formed Twitter account for University of Gloucestershire UNISON, posted: “Having just received formal notice of 100+ redundancies, we will be pondering our Exec’s decision to build a multi-million pound Business School just as we entered the demographic dip. #competence.”
A union spokesman said: “UNISON has been aware for some time that the university is looking to make savings as a result of lower income generation and heavy investment into the university estate.
“We have been in talks with the university about what those savings will look like.
“We were formally notified that a large portion of the savings will come from redundancies.”
He continued: “UNISON will be continuing discussions with the employer into the new year to find alternatives to their current proposals and we’ll be representing members who find themselves at risk of redundancy.
“News of potential redundancies is always difficult, especially at this time of year, and will be incredibly disappointing for our hard working members who deliver an exceptional service for the University and its students.”
In September the university officially opened a School of Business and Technology at the Oxstalls campus in Gloucester which reportedly cost £16million.
The university also hoped to build student halls of up to 200 beds on the former Debenhams playing field nearby, as part of their plan to transform the campus
A new student accommodation complex has opened in Gloucester’s Ladybellegate Street.
And a 12-court sports centre, cricket pavilion and outdoor sports pitches are close to completion next to Plock Court.
We asked the university to clarify the number of job losses and how long the decision had been in the pipeline, but they declined to comment further. phillip.thompson@reachplc.com