WORKERS at the University of Huddersfield are prepared to take industrial action - including strikes - over plans for almost 200 compulsory staff redundancies, according to union bosses. 

A survey carried out by Unison found nine in ten university employees belonging to the union would support some form of action if there are no meaningful negotiations.

The university confirmed its plans to cut 198 jobs last month - representing 12 per cent of its workforce.

Unison said the cuts would be "highly damaging" to the university's staff and students if they go ahead - but bosses there said they needed to take action amid a "financial crisis". 

Bradfordians are among those who study and work at the university. 

Unison Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser Vikki Garratty said: "The strength of feeling among staff is clear.
 
"They're not willing to accept the university simply cutting away more than a tenth of its workforce without exploring other alternatives.
 
"It's time for university managers to get round the table with Unison and other unions to seek an alternative without such a drastic impact on both staff and students."
 
Unison University of Huddersfield branch secretary Steve Howe added: "University staff are passionate about the jobs they do - and making sure students have the best experience possible.
 
"It's encouraging to see staff are willing to challenge these proposed cuts, given the significant impact on the students, as well as themselves and their colleagues.
 
"Managers must look at other options."
 
Students at the University of Huddersfield have organised a rally to protest against the planned cuts.

It will be held at the university's Queensgate campus at 10am on Thursday.

Ellie Croot, a second-year English Literature student at the university is organising the rally.

She said: "The cuts being proposed by the university will completely change how so many courses operate - if they are even able to continue to run.
 
"This protest is a way for students to show university managers that we don't agree with what they're planning, and to stand in solidarity with the staff who make our university experience as positive as possible."

She added: "It's frankly a dire situation. 

"We're demanding no compulsory redundancies and a voluntary redundancy pay package for any staff members who do wish to take redundancy.

"As students, we want to protect our lecturers from losing their jobs so they can afford to feed their families and cover their expenses but also for the sake of our education."

Ellie said Unison, the University and College Union, and the Trades Union Congress will be present at the protest, which also has backing from the student union. 

University of Huddersfield response in full

In response, a spokesperson for the University of Huddersfield said: "Since 2012, UK undergraduate tuition fees have increased by only 2.8 per cent, from £9,000 to £9,250, despite inflation surging by over 50 per cent. 

"This has precipitated a financial crisis in the university sector, affecting many institutions including ours. 

"We are now among the 40 per cent of universities facing budget deficits in 2023-24, further exacerbated by a 44 per cent sector-wide decline in international student enrolments in January 2024 due to changes in Government immigration policy. 

"Rising staff costs, particularly in pension contributions, further strain our budget.

"Despite these challenges, our university has demonstrated resilience, maintaining high standards with TEF gold and Ofsted outstanding awards, and forging research partnerships with most of the top 100 universities globally. 

"We contribute approximately £300million annually to the local economy, underscoring our crucial economic role. 

"We previously initiated restructuring and voluntary schemes to navigate ongoing sector-wide financial pressures but, like many universities, must now implement a transformational change programme.

"This includes reducing our workforce by 12 per cent to ensure financial sustainability and prepare for a challenging future where tuition fees and immigration policy are unlikely to change.

"Our commitment to educational excellence remains unwavering as we adapt to these economic realities. 

"Our strategies, while challenging, are essential to continue providing world-class education and research, and to play a significant role in regional employment and economic growth. 

"This strategic pivot is not merely a response to immediate challenges but a proactive effort to secure a dynamic and sustainable future for our university."