University of Sussex jobs under threat (From The Argus)

University of Sussex jobs under threat

1:00pm Wednesday 5th August 2009 in News By Emily-Ann Elliott

Jobs at a university could be at risk after it announced plans to make £8 million of savings in the next two years.

Staff at the University of Sussex are being asked to find ways to save money as the economic downturn and reductions in Government funding of higher education begin to take their toll.

Bosses have admitted some jobs could be at risk but say no proposals have yet been made.

The university's budget for 2009 to 2010 will aim to reduce costs by £3 million on a turnover of £160m, with additional savings of up to £5 million in 2010 to 11.

Over the summer senior managers at the university will be addressing its long-term finances, which include investment for growth, significant savings in targeted areas and continued investment in the capital infrastructure of the campus.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing said: "Regrettably, the need to make savings means that some jobs could be at risk, although I must emphasise that we have no proposals of any kind as yet. I recognise that this is an unsettling time for all staff and the campus community at Sussex."

Prof Farthing added that it was important to continue with opportunities for growth at the university, as set out in its strategic plan for 2009 to 2015.

In 2009 to 2010 new degree programmes in business, management, economics and international security will begin at the university.

The University will also continue to invest in key infrastructure developments on its campus for teaching, learning and research as well as in new student housing.

He said: "Without this successful growth, the university's financial position would be significantly worse.

"The development of the campus is necessary to sustain growth and improvement over the long term and is critically important if the University is to be successful. And of course we remain absolutely committed to enhancing the experience that our students have at Sussex."

Discussions on the financial situation are being held over the summer with managers across the University.

Briefing sessions are also being held with representatives of the campus trades unions and with student representatives.

Initial proposals will be presented in the autumn for consultation and wider discussion by staff and students before decisions are made over the winter.

Professor Farthing says: "I firmly believe that the cost reductions on the scale indicated are achievable. I am confident that, with the right planned and measured approach, we will respond effectively to the serious and sustained financial challenges facing us."

The University and College Union’s general secretary Sally Hunt, said: "We have been warning for months of the potential damage unnecessary cuts would do to university education.

“Universities and colleges need to understand that our members will not sit idly by while their jobs or those of colleagues are axed.

“The University of Sussex needs to explore all possibilities before considering job cuts, particularly when demand for higher education is at a record high.

"Any institution that is considering slashing jobs needs to make a clear, transparent case for the losses and start speaking to us immediately.

“It is not good enough to hint at cuts, which will demoralise staff morale and do considerable damage to the university's reputation.

“In difficult economic times we need to be doing everything we can to help education and people who see it as a vital lifeline to improve both their skills and their opportunities of finding work."