University 'to make 1 in 10 academics redundant'

University of Sunderland bosses said they are facing "funding challenges"

A university is looking to make 76 members of staff redundant, according to a union.

UCU has said more than 1 in 10 academics at the University of Sunderland will lose their jobs, some as soon as 1 November.

Jon Bryan, the union's regional support officer, said the institution "could face a strike ballot unless it changes course and works with us to protect jobs".

The university blamed the "freeze on home student fees" and a "decline in international student admissions" for the job losses.

'Worrying time'

The only breakdown the university could provide the union was that 60 academics will be made redundant, alongside 16 support staff, who are represented by Unison.

UCU informed its members on Monday and Mr Bryan said "it's a worrying time".

"Saying things are being decimated is pretty much an accurate depiction for where we are."

A spokesperson for the university said it has been well documented that higher education institutions are facing "funding challenges" and "the University of Sunderland is not immune".

"Although we have done everything possible to mitigated job losses, a number of roles are impacted."