University staff vote to strike over job cuts

The university said it would aim to minimise disruption for students

Staff at the University of Derby are set to strike over plans to cut more than 200 jobs.

The University and College Union (UCU) said a ballot of its members saw 82% vote in favour of strike action.

The BBC understands the redundancy proposals involve 265 staff job losses, comprising 166 full-time equivalent roles in professional services, 17 in leadership roles and 82 in academic positions.

University leaders said financial challenges had made the move necessary but the union is unhappy bosses will not rule out compulsory redundanices or course closures.

The union pointed out the job cuts followed the opening of a new £75m university building

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This overwhelming mandate for action at Derby is yet another sign that university staff across the UK will not tolerate needless cuts.

"Staff deserve security, respect, and a voice in shaping the future of their institution.'

A University of Derby spokesperson said: "We respect the right of staff to take industrial action but are disappointed that UCU is proposing to pursue a course of action which could disadvantage our students, as we have taken particular care to ensure that they are not impacted by the proposed changes.

"We have fully engaged with the unions and other representatives throughout this process and we remain committed to continuing open and constructive dialogue and will do all we can to avoid the need for industrial action and disruption to our students."