Up to 69 jobs are at risk at the University of Central Lancashire.
UCLan wrote to the University College Union (UCU) to say staff would face losing their jobs by March 2021.
UCU says the university’s claims that it needs to make cuts because of budget deficits and student recruitment “make no sense”.
UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: ‘The University of Central Lancashire has already released 240 staff through voluntary redundancies over the past 16 months, whilst student numbers have increased.
“It makes no sense for it to cut even more staff, especially when students need support due to Covid. The university talks about budget deficits but it should be looking at cutting the millions it is spending on building works and using the money to keep the staff that students rely on.”
Money for new buildings @uclan, yes! Money for new “brand” and vacuous slogans, sure! Money to pay staff? No chance! @ucu will fight this #HeartAndSoul #WeAreUclan pic.twitter.com/hGj4uS22L5
— UCLanUCU (@UCLanUCU) October 14, 2020
The union says it is open to negotiating a way forward, but that UCLan must first change its position.
“We urge the university to abandon a course of action which threatens to severely damage staff morale and student learning, and work with staff to steer through the challenges we are facing.
“We remain, as always, open to negotiating a way forward, but the threat to our members’ jobs must be lifted before meaningful dialogue can take place. At the moment we have no choice but to take whatever steps necessary to defend our members’ livelihoods, including balloting for industrial action.”
A spokesperson for UCLan said: “Over 12 months ago, the University of Central Lancashire opened a voluntary severance scheme as part of a University-wide restructure to reduce staffing costs in some areas while continuing to be able to support and invest in areas of growth.
“Our approach to this restructure has been carefully considered at every stage and we hope to minimise the impact on staff through voluntary exits and redeployment to other vacancies.”
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