Up to 250 jobs are set to be cut at the University of Wolverhampton, following the news in May that the university would be ceasing recruitment for 138 of its undergraduate courses.
The university cited a drop in student enrolments, rising inflation, and the pandemic as reasons they were not able to reduce the shortfall, according to the BBC.
Wolverhampton UCU shared the news of the cuts on Twitter, where they wrote: ‘We are facing unacceptable attacks on members’ jobs, and our linked union, Unison members’ jobs. Staff have been told this morning of a plan to “right-size and right-shape our organisation” with 250 University roles removed #stopthecutsUoW.’
One lecturer at the university told BlackCountryLive that they were ‘not expecting this devastating news.’
‘Period of consultation’
A spokesperson for the uni said that they had announced a proposal to reduce the number of staff it employs.
‘The proposal might affect as many as 250 University roles, although this figure includes almost 100 colleagues whom we anticipate leaving through our Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS),’ they said, ‘These employees will now enter a period of consultation in partnership with the University and the relevant trade unions.’
‘The University is committed to treating all staff with dignity and respect throughout this difficult time,’ they continued.
In May, the university confirmed that it would not recruit any students for 138 of its undergraduate and postgraduate courses in September. A university spokesperson said that a ‘robust recovery action plan’ is underway.
Asking for support
At the time, Wolverhampton UCU tweeted out asking for support. They said: ‘Opportunities for local students to launch successful careers in these subject areas will be impacted with the loss of foundation level entry, flexible study, and sandwich options on many courses.’
The UCU branch also asked people to write to their MPs to challenge the idea that students’ salaries are an indicator of the value of the courses.
