Union ballots for strike action over university cuts

The University of Derby said it "fully recognised the impact that the proposals, which could see 265 colleagues potentially made redundant, will have on our people"

A union has said it is balloting for strike action after the University of Derby announced plans that could see more than 200 members of staff made redundant.

The BBC understands the redundancy proposals involve 265 full-time equivalent job losses.

Francesco Belcastro, chairman of the University and College Union (UCU) Derby branch - which represents academic and some professional services staff - said on Friday its members were considering strike action but were trying to "engage" with the university.

A spokesperson for the university said: "We are committed to supporting everyone affected throughout this process."

'Shocked and disappointed'

The university said in a statement on Wednesday it was facing "financial pressures" due to "frozen funding levels" and "rising operational costs".

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

Mr Belcastro said he was shocked and disappointed by the proposed redundancies plan, which he said would have a massive impact on staff.

"It's very disappointing that some of the staff have to pay for mistakes made by management," Mr Belcastro added.

Mr Belcastro told the BBC the UCU was also trying to engage with the university to consider different cost-saving measures.

'Securing our future'

The university said in the last two years it had implemented changes in how it operated, but the "scale of the financial challenge" meant further measures needed to be considered.

It added: "We hope to achieve as much of this as possible by voluntary means."

The university said it employed 3,400 staff and was home to more than 27,000 students.

A spokesperson for the university added: "We need to continue to strategically invest in areas that will help secure our future.

"We recognise that we need to make savings to operate as sustainably as possible, while at the same time ensuring strategic investment so we have the facilities, courses and reputation to continue to grow and deliver our fundamental educational purpose for our students."

Unison - a union which represents professional services staff in higher education - said these roles were "vital".

Elliot Dean, Unison East Midlands head of higher education, said: "These cuts aren't just numbers; they're people who keep the university going and make a real difference every day."