Dates set for strike action over uni job cuts plan

The BBC understands the University of Derby redundancy plans could result in the loss of 265 full-time equivalent jobs

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

The University and College Union (UCU) said its members would walk out on 2 December for three days after a ballot saw 82% vote in favour of strike action.

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

A spokesperson for the University of Derby said it remained committed to constructive dialogue and added it would "do all we can" to minimise disruption to students.

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

Prof Keith McLay, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, previously said the university - like others across the sector - 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, and added it was important the university looked to a "sustainable future".

However, Dr Francesco Belcastro, chairman of the UCU Derby branch - which represents academic and some professional services staff - said the plan "would be incredibly damaging to the university".

He added: "We've tried to engage with the university in other ways but so far it's been absolutely impossible, so we've been forced to take strike action."

The University of Derby said it respects the right of staff to take industrial action

Dr Belcastro said the UCU saw the strike as the "first phase" and was "more than prepared" to continue its industrial action in January if the university did not halt its redundancy proposals.

He added he understood the strikes would have an impact on students, but added it would be "much more limited" than if the redundancy proposals go-ahead.

"I think this has been confirmed by the fact that students have been incredibly supportive of us and have encouraged us to do more," Dr Belcastro said.

A spokesperson for the University of Derby said: "We respect the right of staff to take industrial action but are disappointed that UCU has confirmed its members will be striking in December, as we have taken particular care to ensure that our students 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.

"We will do all we can to minimise any disruption to our students."