University of Lincoln staff consider strike action as over 220 jobs are at risk, say The University and College Union
Over 220 university staff could be at risk of losing their jobs, according to union bosses.
University of Lincoln staff have been told their jobs could be at risk as the university has announced cuts, including phasing out fashion degrees and ending specialist support for widening participation students in the foundation studies centre.
The University and College Union (UCU) announced a consultation today (Thursday, April 18) to take potential strike action on Monday, April 22.
UCU Lincoln acting chair Dr Rob Dean said: “It is simply impossible to slash so many jobs without severely impacting current students, future students and diminishing the university's vital role as a cornerstone of regional education.
“Furthermore, not only are many people in danger of losing their jobs, but we are also extremely concerned that those remaining will be left with unmanageable workloads.
“Without a transparent assessment of past decisions and a commitment to accountability, there is a risk of perpetuating the same errors, endangering the institution's future stability. “However, the impact of this extends beyond the confines of academia.
“The local economy will also be affected. In a small city like Lincoln the number of proposed cuts threaten to undermine the socioeconomic fabric of the region, exacerbating existing challenges and inequalities.”
Union bosses claim the university had a £3 million operating surplus and £46 million in cash revenues in 2022/23, despite a directive issued last week underscoring the necessity to slash the budget by £30 million by the end of the 2025 financial year.
Some cuts have already been made with modern languages provision being shut down and eight staff losing their jobs.
In a response to management’s refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies, over 150 staff attended an emergency UCU Lincoln branch meeting on April 10 to voice their opposition to the refusals and question strike action.
