The University of Staffordshire recently issued plans to make up to 70 redundancies. Today’s decision is released as the university continues to struggle with deep financial challenges. Today’s decision is the third straight year of job cuts at the agency. Importantly, it serves to underscore the longstanding inequities experienced throughout the higher education landscape.
The administration of the university is hoping to make significant savings costs of about £6.4 million. To meet this target, officials will implement reductions through staff cuts, refrain from replacing vacant roles, and reduce some casual contracts. A full consultation process started on October 9, enabling discussions to take place with impacted employees and trade unions.
As of October 2024, the university had already announced a cut of 40 positions. This came on the heels of an even bigger announcement in early November 2023, when the university first announced it would cut 100 jobs. The repetitive nature of workforce reductions underscores the institution’s attempt to push through financial difficulties in a rapidly evolving educational ecosystem.
Aside from the massive layoffs expected, the university claims that 95% of its 1,248 employees will not be impacted. Other officials in YPS underscore their intent to limit any negative effects on students’ experience during this transition period.
“Like many universities, we are facing financial pressures due to the challenging higher education environment,” – Alex McIntyre.
The university’s main front entrance is flanked to one side by a huge, grey, concrete-looking structure clearly marked with the dazzling red university entrance sign “Staffordshire University.” Yet here we are again, as the institution makes moves to lay off hundreds more employees. Academy is dedicated to being there for all of the colleagues affected by these changes.
“Throughout this period, the student experience will remain paramount, and we are committed to full consultation with our recognised trade unions and to providing support to colleagues affected,” – University of Staffordshire spokesperson.
