We are disappointed to read the news this morning that the University of Huddersfield is opening a voluntary severance scheme for all staff across the institution to apply for, only a month after breaking ground on a multi-million-pound new building.

This is the 3rd time in 12 months that the university has made cuts to staffing across the institution.  As we have written about in the past, the whole Higher Education Sector is struggling with rising costs and static income, issues that require systemic change by government.  Unlike a compulsory process, the voluntary scheme means that staff will apply to leave the University but will not necessarily be chosen or accepted.

We know this will cause uncertainty and upset amongst students, researchers, and staff. Our number one priority will be seeking assurances about the future stability of the university and ensuring current and future students have the best possible experience, but we’re clear this cannot be at the detriment of the staff community we all value so much.

The staff at this university love teaching and supporting students, but morale is at an all-time low with uncertainties over jobs and increased workloads.  We have already begun making representations to the VC and his senior team about the strategy behind this decision, and seek reassurances about appropriate planning for the future.  As an Officer Team, we also meet regularly with the Trade Unions on campus and will be reaching out again to meet with them on this matter.

We will be compiling your questions and concerns on these cuts, so please send your thoughts to: representation@hud.ac.uk so we can include them in our representations.