University sorry for redundancy email blunder

More than 250 roles are due to be cut at the university

The University of Derby has apologised after it mistakenly sent an email confirming receipt of voluntary redundancy applications to staff members who had not applied for the scheme.

In October, the university announced redundancy proposals, which is understood to involve 265 full-time equivalent job losses.

The BBC has seen an email sent by the university to a member of staff which states an application form for voluntary redundancy had been received when they did not apply for redundancy.

A University of Derby spokesperson said it had contacted everyone affected to apologise for the mistake and reassure them about their individual circumstances.

The University and College Union (UCU) told the BBC it understood 36 members of staff were emailed in error.

The mistake comes weeks after dozens of staff were sent letters with "proposed redundancy process" visible through the clear window in the envelope.

Dr Francesco Belcastro, chair of the Derby branch for the union - which represents academic and some professional services staff - said the emails sent in error were "disrespectful" and "incredibly upsetting" for staff.

"I think it's confirmation of the fact the university is not able to manage this process in the correct way and it should just stop and pause and rethink its whole approach," he added.

'Apology given'

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

Deputy vice-chanellor Prof Keith McLay previously said the university was facing rising operational costs, frozen fee levels and a "very challenging" student recruitment environment.

Prof McLay added he understood the situation would be "upsetting" for staff but said it was important the university looked to a "sustainable future".

The union said its members would walk out on 2 December for three days after a ballot saw 82% vote in favour of strike action.

A spokesperson for the University of Derby said: "A small number of people received an email about voluntary redundancy in error.

"We have contacted everyone affected to reassure them about their individual circumstances and we have apologised to them for this mistake."