Due to a PS20m deficit, up to 250 jobs will be lost at the University of Wolverhampton.
It stated that falling student enrollments, rising inflation, and the Covid-19 pandemic all had impacted its ability reduce the deficit.
The university has four campuses in the Black Country and Shropshire. Employees will now be able to enter a consultation period.
It stated that bosses are “committed” to treating employees with dignity and respect.
With 2,200 employees at the campuses, the number of at-risk positions is more than a tenth the workforce.
According to the university, around 100 workers were expected to quit under a mutually agreed resignation plan.
According to a statement, the university’s financial sustainability was in doubt due to its “difficult financial environment” which has been caused by rising tuition fees income and falling costs.
According to the University and College Union (UCU) Wolverhampton branch, this move was a “loss of thousands of students”.
The UCU tweeted that “This isn’t just a loss to [staff] but it’s also for thousands of students, who will face the loss specialist support and opportunities and our experience in helping them achieve their full potential.”
The university dates back to 1827 and has approximately 21,362 students.
Dr Catherine Lamond is chair of the UCU negotiating panel and has described the news as “devastating”.
She stated, “It feels as if we have already been down a path that we can’t go back from.”
“Is it the beginning of the end for this university? Does there not seem to be any recovery plan for the cuts?”
According to the union, 138 courses were suspended and no new students or postgrads have been allowed to apply since May.
Those affected include students in science courses as well as those from the School of Performing Arts or School of Arts.
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