University of Nottingham plans to cut 250 jobs

More than 250 jobs could be cut at the University of Nottingham.

The university said on Tuesday it had launched a 90-day consultation, outlining its proposals, which also included the removal of a further 98 vacant jobs.

It is considering reducing the number of professional service roles by 258 - from a total workforce of about 5,000 - which covers a wide range of non-academic positions.

University president and vice-chancellor Prof Jane Norman said it was a "critical moment for universities across the UK".

She said the sector was "grappling with significant financial challenges", in part caused by a fall in revenues.

This has been made worse by a fall in the number of international students and the ongoing effect of the rising cost of living, she added.

Last month, the University and College Union (UCU) said up to 10,000 university jobs could be at risk this academic year because of the "unprecedented crisis" in higher education.

Universities UK, which represents 141 institutions, called for "sustained action" from the government to bring financial stability to the sector.

The Department for Education (DfE) said the government had "inherited a sector facing serious financial risk" and taken "tough decisions" to address it.

It comes after Cardiff University confirmed plans to cut 400 full-time jobs amid a funding shortfall.

"Our staff numbers have increased significantly faster than our student numbers," Prof Norman said.

"Change for any organisation is a difficult and painful process, and we fully appreciate that this announcement will cause uncertainty for many of our colleagues.

"Our proposals are in no way a reflection of the dedication, hard work and ability of our staff, but the current financial picture means we must focus our efforts on where we are best positioned to thrive."

She said the university was working with unions to offer support to staff, and added: "We know that students may also have concerns as a result of hearing this news, and I would like to reassure them that our commitment to delivering the highest academic standards and the best student experience while at Nottingham remains unchanged."

Andreas Bieler, a professor of political economy and the UCU representative at the university, said his members were "really disappointed" at the announcement.

"This is really a watershed moment in the University of Nottingham's history, and we are really concerned about the job security of our members," he said.

"For students, we are worried the service will go down even further.

"We have to remember that last year, almost 300 people left the university on a voluntary redundancy scheme.

"Who is going to pick up the work which is left when these colleagues have gone?"

A spokesperson for the university added the institution had tried to reduce costs in a sustainable manner.

This included a reduction of budgets, a freeze on staff recruitment for all but the most critical roles, removing £40m from its planned spend, and reducing travel.

In addition, the university said it had committed to reducing the size of the estate by 20%, including commencing the sale of King's Meadow Campus.

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