Bosses at Lancaster University say increased costs and falling overseas student numbers mean they will have to cut a number of jobs, in a bid to save up to £30m.
A spokesperson for the university said that it hoped to make the savings through voluntary redundancies, but that it couldn’t rule out compulsory redundancies as a last resort, and that there were no plans to close any academic areas.
Staff and trade unions are being consulted over the plans.
In a statement to Beyond Radio, the university said: ‘’Lancaster University has a proud record of excellence in both teaching and research however it has not been immune to sector-wide financial pressures including increased operating costs and declining international student numbers.
‘’We have achieved significant savings on non-payroll and through a voluntary severance scheme this year, but unfortunately our financial projections show that payroll savings of about £30M are required over the next academic year to ensure our ongoing financial sustainability.
‘’With the full support of Council, the University Executive Board has proposed a plan to ensure our future size and shape is sustainable, while also enabling the University to continue to thrive. The proposal is beginning to be shared with our staff, consulting widely with the recognised trade unions who play a welcome part in our processes.
‘’We are not planning to reduce payroll costs through the closure of academic departments, and proposed savings have been identified to achieve strategic efficiencies which will be shared across all academic departments and professional services.
‘’Our preference has always been to achieve these changes through voluntary means wherever possible, however we can’t rule out the possibility of compulsory redundancies as a last resort.
‘’Lancaster has built a strong reputation for academic excellence and has an impressive track record for student employability. We are in a better financial position than some other universities which has bought us time to work through strategic options, which will ensure that research and the student experience is prioritised and protected.
‘’We recognise this is a worrying time for our community and the University has support in place for those who have concerns.’’
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