Healthy state of university finances show vice-chancellors must invest in staff

The report highlights that total growth across the sector is forecast to rise from £37.31 billion in 2020-21 to a record £45.72 billion in 2024-25.  

The union said that the sector's recovery from Covid-19 and positive forecast was a tribute to staff who worked tirelessly through the pandemic to support students, and showed that the sector must now invest in its workforce. 

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This research shows that universities have not only weathered the impact of Covid but have a sustainable future longer term. This is entirely down to the hard work and dedication of staff who went above and beyond to keep universities running during the pandemic. But it is beyond scandalous that whilst the sector predicts record levels of income staff are forced to endure falling pay, insecure employment and devastating cuts to pensions worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.

'Vice-chancellors must stop pleading poverty and take this opportunity to invest in their workforce.'