University staff threaten strike action over cuts

University staff are warning of potential strike action if plans to cut jobs goes ahead.

The University and College Union (UCU) said Liverpool Hope University had threatened to cut 39 jobs, affecting courses including sociology, education studies and health science.

It claimed the university had healthy cash reserves and the planned cuts were "shameful".

A Liverpool Hope University representative said the institution appreciated it was a worrying time for staff and it was working with the union "to ensure we explore all options".

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Liverpool Hope has strong finances and plays a key role in providing access to the arts and humanities to young people across the North West, so it is shameful that management's knee-jerk response to a projected deficit is to attempt to slash vital jobs.

"Senior managers must think again, otherwise our members will fight to defend jobs and student provision by any means necessary."

The university said the proposal of potential redundancies was "not one that has been taken lightly" and the institution was "working with UCU to ensure that we explore options".

"The proposals are currently undergoing consultation and no plans have been confirmed thus far," it said.

"We are committed to working in partnership with UCU, and with colleagues to protect their wellbeing during this difficult period."

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