The University of Sussex has recently announced that a further 200 jobs will be at risk following an upcoming consultation, which may affect university staff. The recent announcement comes after 528 staff left through voluntary leavers schemes last year, in another ‘restructuring’ effort reportedly aiming to save approximately £35 million annually.
VC Sasha Roseneil has called the decision to pursue further redundancies ‘regrettable’ in a public statement, with financial uncertainty – linked by the university to declining numbers of international students following government policy changes – cited as one reason behind the move.
Concern over the decision to make further cuts has been voiced by some students and staff, arguing that the cuts could negatively impact the quality of education and the environment that the university may be able to provide in the future. Trade union UNISON has also criticised the proposed job losses, a spokesperson quoted as saying, ‘universities cannot cut their way to stability’.
At a time when job markets are becoming increasingly unstable for graduates, with the value of a university degree repeatedly questioned, there is growing anxiety amongst some students, who see further cuts as yet another symptom of a system, they claim, is failing both students and staff.
Universities throughout the UK have faced a continuing financial crisis with rapidly declining student numbers and increasing budget deficits, despite personal student loan debt reaching record highs for students, both graduated and currently enrolled. Almost 90% of university leaders polled by Universities UK (UUK) have said that they are likely to consider both hiring freezes and voluntary redundancy schemes, similar to Sussex.
Reaching out to the Student’s Union, a spokesperson said:
‘’We recognise this is a challenging and uncertain time for staff and students across the university community. Our priority throughout is to ensure students continue to be both represented and supported. We are engaging with the university to understand the potential impact of its proposals and to ensure student welfare, services, and academic experience are central to decision-making.
We encourage any students with concerns to get in touch with the union for support.
The students’ union is also having to look at its staffing structure and we are currently consulting with staff on the changes. While 16 roles are at risk of redundancy, new opportunities are proposed and our priorities are to minimise the impact on our staff and to continue to provide support to students.”
In an email sent to students on Thursday, 28th May, the University said a decision on the redundancies is expected to be finalised in September, as a response to the ‘serious financial pressure’ that is facing the higher education sector.
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