UNISON has issued notice to the University of Bradford it will ballot members over strike action in relation to the 200 redundancies due to be made at the university.

It claims a proper consultation with staff has not been held and the job losses would damage the city’s long-term economic prospects.

Leonie Sharp, Unison’s regional organiser, said: “University management says the job losses are related to the financial position of the university and a fall in student numbers.

“It is a short-term cost-cutting proposal, but we believe there is potential for strong growth at the university.

“Bradford has the youngest population of any city in the UK and there is huge potential for higher education in the whole district.

“Its economic future is dependent on developing the educational potential of those young people. It is a huge mistake.”