University facing 'perfect storm' of challenges

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

A deputy vice-chancellor has said the University of Derby is facing a "perfect storm" of financial challenges after it announced it was consulting staff on redundancies.

The BBC understands the university's redundancy plans could result in the loss of 265 full-time equivalent jobs.

Prof Keith McLay, deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Derby, 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 said he understood the situation would be "upsetting" for staff, and added it was important the university looked to a "sustainable future".

Prof McLay said the "financial challenge" has forced the university to freeze recruitment and start a redundancy process for the leadership group and body of professors.

"It's this perfect storm of issues which are hitting the University of Derby as they are hitting many other universities which we have had to address, and which we have addressed to date," Prof McLay said.

"Unfortunately we now need to come forward with these proposals to work with our staff community to see where we can take costs out to ensure that sustainable future for the university."

Prof Keith McLay, deputy vice-chancellor, said he understood the situation would be "upsetting" for staff

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

Prof McLay said: "I must emphasise these are proposals. These are proposals which we are going to consult with our staff members, with our students and with the trade unions to ensure we can handle it in the best way possible."

Dr Francesco Belcastro, chairman of the University and College Union (UCU) Derby branch - which represents academic and some professional services staff - previously said he was shocked and disappointed by the proposals.

The UCU began balloting for strike action on Tuesday and will make a decision after the ballot closes on 10 November.

UNISON East Midlands head of higher education, Elliot Dean, added: "The impact of these proposed redundancies on staff and students should not be understated.

"The workers affected play a crucial role in keeping the university running, supporting teaching, research, and the wellbeing of students who rely on them every day.

"These are dedicated employees who already face increasing workloads and years of below-inflation pay. They do this work because they care deeply about students and the university community.

"To now threaten staff with redundancy is not only short-sighted but damaging to the quality of education and the student experience."