University staff vote to strike over job cuts

The University of Lincoln has said it is facing growing financial pressures

Staff at the University of Lincoln have voted in favour of striking over job losses.

The University and College Union (UCU) said industrial action was being called over plans to cut more than 220 jobs.

UCU claimed that the proposed redundancies would include one in 10 academic staff.

The university said it was having to cut costs "due to growing financial headwinds".

The union said 80% of members who voted in the ballot supported industrial action, on a turnout of 55%.

Strikes could take place next month, affecting open days and clearing, UCU added.

Joe Rooney, from the union, said industrial action was a "last resort" and urged the university management to negotiate and "call off the cuts".

"These cuts will not just hit staff," he said. "They will also impact current and future students and damage the university's vital role as the region’s cornerstone of education.

"The local economy will also be affected. In a small city like Lincoln, these huge cuts threaten to undermine the fabric of the region, exacerbating existing challenges and inequalities."

'Minimise job losses'

The university says it has had to cut its costs because of "frozen undergraduate tuition fees, high inflation and declining international student demand".

A spokesperson said: “We have launched a voluntary severance scheme and a voluntary redundancy scheme and are doing everything possible to minimise job losses and avoid compulsory redundancies.

"We continue to consult with our trade unions and colleagues across the university to ensure we find the right size and shape to navigate the current challenges facing UK higher education and can thrive into the future.

"Securing our long-term financial sustainability will ensure we continue to meet the needs and aspirations of our students and the communities and industries we serve across our region."

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