Letters penned by frustrated staff at the University of Bradford have revealed the animosity some of them feel towards the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor.

Unison released a number of letters they say were written in September when the staff voted to go on strike over the loss of 165 jobs.

The content apparently puts on display the strength of feeling directed at the Vice Chancellor, who has been in the role since 2013 and earns £251,300.

Some of the ‘Dear Brian’ notes reveal some staff are on anti-depressants over the fear of losing their jobs and some are frightened to open emails in case it says their job is no more.

One writer, who signs their letter off as “A Mole”, said the culture at the the University of Bradford has become "toxic."

The letter writer went on to claim "too many people who surround" Prof Cantor were not prepared to question some the key decisions being made affecting the university's future.

Another member of staff says she is no longer able to socialise with her friends because of money worries and the ordeal has seen her suffer from headaches and sleepless nights.

Someone else claims Prof Cantor owes staff an apology after the environment at the University of Bradford became “increasingly one of anxiety, which benefits no one and has raised stress and distress for several of my colleagues.”

Patrick Dennehy, Unison branch secretary, said: “We were very clear, from the outset, that protecting jobs was just one strand of our campaign. Our other aim was the immediate removal of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Brian Cantor. These letters show why, in order to protect the health and well-being of our members, that remains our highest priority.”

A spokesperson for the university said the problems facing the university are happening all over the country.

They added: “The University of Bradford has responded to the extremely challenging environment common to the higher education sector nationally, putting in place a revised strategy and development plan, emphasising our twin priorities of protecting as many jobs as we can, and of safeguarding our students’ experience.

“Throughout this process the University’s senior management has continued to consult with the unions, as well as all staff, and has shared information with them, acting on observations made during consultation and building these into plans where appropriate.

“None of the letters mentioned by Unison have been received by the Vice-Chancellor.

The University recognises that this has been a difficult time for all of us, and is fully engaged with staff in making sure that our new structures build on our positive student recruitment outcome for 2018.”