University to cut staff numbers after decline in student numbers

A university is cutting teaching staff due to a fall in the number of international students signing up for its courses.

Teesside University wants 27 academic staff to take voluntary redundancy after a fall in student numbers on some degree courses due to new visa rules introduced at the start of the year.

Dr Terry Murphy of the University and College Union (UCU) said Teesside should use smaller class sizes to improve the quality of teaching rather than “maximise profits”.

The university said it is reviewing how it operates to become more efficient and provide “value for money”.

The number of international students studying in Britain has declined after rules came into force on January 1 that prevent family members from traveling to Britain with them.

Dr Murphy said the university was looking to cut roles in its business and English language departments due to the low number of international students.

He said the union had been told that if 27 voluntary redundancies could not be found the university had warned it could make compulsory redundancies in January.

Dr Murphy said Teesside University was in a good financial position – it made a profit of £40m last year and had £260m in reserves – and that it should focus on improving teaching rather than making staff cuts.

“If the number of students has reduced, especially foreign students, then staff will have to be utilized to deliver more teaching, smaller classes and better quality to existing students,” he said.

“Teesside has never had a compulsory redundancy package in its entire existence and we feel now is not the time to start.”

A spokesperson for Teesside University said that despite its “strong financial position” it was working to “mitigate the increasingly challenging financial context”.

“We are reviewing our operating model and expenses, identifying efficiencies and ensuring we continue to provide value for money,” the spokesperson said.

“This includes the option of voluntary redundancies in some academic areas where student numbers have declined.”