In the news: 12 May 2017

University of Manchester announces job cuts in light of Brexit and sector uncertainty

The University of Manchester this week announced plans to cut 171 jobs, including 140 academics, to create "financial head room" in light of increasing "financial, political and sector uncertainty". In a letter to UCU, the university cited specific concerns about the Teaching Excellence Framework, new private providers, exchange rate fluctuations and Brexit as a reason for the cuts.

The story made the front page of the Times, while UCU general secretary Sally Hunt told the Guardian that there was 'no economic rationale' for the cuts, pointing towards the university's recent operating surplus of £59.7m and its £1.5bn reserves.

Speaking to Times Higher Education and BBC, she added that: 'The University of Manchester is in a strong financial position and we believe it is using recent government policy changes and Brexit as an excuse to make short-term cuts that will cause long-term damage.'

Manchester Metropolitan University staff announce two-day strike over Crewe campus closure

Staff at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) have announced a two-day strike over the proposed closure of the campus in Crewe, affecting 160 staff currently based there. Four in five (79%) members backed strike action in the recent ballot, and staff will walk out on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 May unless the university halts its plans and engages positively with the union to explore different options.

Speaking to the Nantwich News, regional official Martyn Moss said staff: 'have made it quite clear that they are prepared to take strike action to defend jobs ... [MMU] is wrong to try to discard years of academic experience as it closes the Crewe campus and we want to properly explore all available options. The university needs to stop rushed plans for 16 job losses this summer and work with us to reach a fair resolution.'

Job cuts at Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University has announced that 62 jobs are at risk of redundancy, as part of a £15m cost-saving scheme planned for the coming years. The announcement comes just weeks after the UCU and Unison branches passed a vote of no confidence in the university leadership.

Speaking to the Southern Daily Echo, regional official Moray McAuley said: 'The announcement of potential redundancies is a blow to staff and students, and confirms fears about the impact of cost savings on jobs and courses. UCU does not believe that these cuts are necessary and will be opposing any compulsory redundancies. We urge the university to listen to the concerns of staff and students and reconsider its decision.'

University of Sunderland warns of potential redundancies in response to falling student numbers

The University of Sunderland this week announced a voluntary redundancy scheme for academic staff in response to falling student numbers, warning that compulsory redundancies may be required next year. Regional support official Jon Bryan spoke to BBC Newcastle (48 mins in) about the announcement and told the Sunderland Echo the university's refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies was 'unsettling for students and staff'. He added: 'UCU will be working with the other trade unions to do what we can to avoid compulsory redundancies and we will be discussing what steps we take as a branch. We cannot, at this stage, rule out taking industrial action.'

UCU welcomes role for colleges in major new apprenticeships contract

UCU has welcomed the news that the Collab Group of colleges has been chosen to play a key role in a major new apprenticeships contract with property, residential, construction and services group, Kier. Responding to the announcement, Sally Hunt said 'We welcome colleges playing a key role in this major apprenticeship contract and we're pleased to see colleges working together rather than in competition.

'Our colleges have expert trained staff with years of teaching experience, making them the best way to ensure apprenticeships are of a high quality and the taxpayer is getting good value for money.'

General election: UCU launches manifesto and Labour announces skills policy

UCU launched its general election manifesto earlier this week, calling on the next government to invest more in education, protect international students and staff, and support students of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their potential. UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'our colleges and universities need proper investment to ensure that everyone can fulfil their potential. With Brexit and the government's recent legislation for further and higher education creating great uncertainty, we need decisive action from the next government to provide stability in the coming years.'

The Labour party also made a big skills announcement on Wednesday, pledging to fund lifelong learning and reintroduce student maintenance grants for students in further education if elected. UCU said it was 'encouraging that Labour has recognised the need for more investment in colleges and lifelong learning' and called on other parties to set out their own plans for skills.

Wednesday's official Labour announcement was, however, somewhat overshadowed by the leak of their draft manifesto, which includes a pledge to scrap university tuition fees. UCU and NUS issued a joint response welcoming the move, and Sally Hunt said: 'The direction of travel set out in Labour's draft manifesto is very welcome, and we await the full details with anticipation. Education is a public good and cost should never be a barrier to participation.'

University of Brighton dispute brought to an end

A dispute at the University of Brighton over job losses, working conditions and union rights came to an end last Friday after members voted to accept an agreement with the university which saves jobs and commits to an independent review of contracts. Regional official Michael Moran said: 'We are very pleased the university has ruled out compulsory job losses and reinstated the promotions process. Nobody wants to take strike action and we are now looking forward to working with the university to improve our members' terms and conditions.'