Over 250 jobs set to be axed at University of Nottingham

Over 250 roles could be cut by the University of Nottingham, it confirmed on Tuesday (April 8).

The university has entered into a 90-day consultation with staff over plans to slash the jobs – which will include 98 vacant posts.

It wants to cut the number of professional service roles by 258. These jobs will cover a range of non-academic positions.

University’s across the UK have been hit by a drop in numbers of overseas students.

Professor Jane Norman, the university’s president and vice-chancellor, told the BBC: “Our staff numbers have increased significantly faster than our student numbers.

“Change for any organisation is a difficult and painful process, and we fully appreciate that this announcement will cause uncertainty for many of our colleagues.

“Our proposals are in no way a reflection of the dedication, hard work and ability of our staff, but the current financial picture means we must focus our efforts on where we are best positioned to thrive.”

She added: “We know that students may also have concerns as a result of hearing this news, and I would like to reassure them that our commitment to delivering the highest academic standards and the best student experience while at Nottingham remains unchanged.”

Andreas Bieler, a professor of political economy and the UCU representative at the university, added:
“This is really a watershed moment in the University of Nottingham’s history, and we are really concerned about the job security of our members.

“For students, we are worried the service will go down even further. We have to remember that last year, almost 300 people left the university on a voluntary redundancy scheme.

“Who is going to pick up the work which is left when these colleagues have gone?”

The moves comes three-and-a-half years after the University of Nottingham spent £36m on buying its city centre Castle Meadow campus based at the former HMRC offices.