Lancaster University is slashing 450+ jobs. While management has withdrawn compulsory redundancies for academic staff until August this year following our ballot and notice of industrial action, compulsory redundancies have still not been withdrawn for professional services staff, and management is still seeking to "save" £22 million over this year and next. This is an artifically created crisis. The University is actually in surplus, and one of its key financial metrics has increased by almost 60% last year. There is no strategic or financial case for redundancies, and the redundancies are being ideologically driven to suit the agendas of seniro managers. More than 400 staff have already left the University through voluntary redundancies or resigned in disgust. This is a crisis for staff and their families, students, Lancaster city and community, because it puts the future of many Lancaster residents, businesses, and local community at risk. Lancaster University indirectly and directly supports 6,000 jobs. It is a catalyst for growth at all levels and it provides education for students from all backgrounds.
Lancaster UCU believes this is a crisis entirely of senior management’s making. The University is claiming a £35m "black hole" in the finances. But this is based on estimates of future income. The University is making a surplus of approx. £7 million this year. All staff have been overworked for years with stress related sickness absence through the roof. No one except the senior management team have had pay increases that meet inflation for over 15 years. The VC salary increased by 6% last year and is now well over £300k including pension. No senior manager is being made redundant. No one is taking a pay-cut either. The 12 members of the University Executive Board earn a total of £2.34 million / year. And the University is still continuing to spend on their trophy projects and buildings. Staff members whose jobs are at risk are appalled that the seniro management of the University is prioritising c<
