Up to 200 university jobs at risk amid £40m cuts

Almost 200 jobs could be at risk at a university as it looks make £40m cuts to its budget within a year.

The University of Sunderland confirmed in October it was looking to make the savings as it grapples with visa changes which threaten a major reduction in income from international students.

UCU members overwhelmingly called for a dispute following the announcement.

A joint statement issued by the university and UCU and UNISON unions confirmed up to 188 posts are at risk. The statement said: "All parties recognise that this is a difficult situation that will create uncertainty."

The university says consultation meetings will continue throughout November and December and it will not issue any dismissal notices to impacted staff in 2026.

Bosses stressed that the 188 posts is not a final outcome and the number includes fractional contracts.

It is seeking to avoid compulsory redundancies where possible and will look at ways to maximise the number of staff who leave voluntarily.

The redundancy announcement comes three months after the closure of the National Glass Centre, which the university said needed significant remedial work at a cost of between £14m and £45m, though this figure has consistently been disputed by campaigners fighting to retain the facility.

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