171 jobs under threat at Manchester University

Staff facing uncertain future as cuts proposed.

171 jobs under threat
Published 10th May 2017

The University of Manchester has announced proposals that could lead to 171 jobs being axed as the university says it wants to cut 140 academic jobs and 31 professional support roles.

At the Alliance Manchester Business School, which was the recipient of a landmark £15m donation in October 2014 from Lord David Alliance who described it as a “world-class centre for business education”, 40 jobs are to be axed with 104 jobs at risk.

The 31 professional support roles are thought to be coming from the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the National Composites Certification and Evaluation Faculty, the Photon Science Institute and the Directorate of Finance.

A University of Manchester spokesperson said:

“The University of Manchester has a bold ambition to be a world leading institution, with a reputation based on academic excellence. In order to meet this ambition, we must improve the quality of our research and student experience in some areas and ensure the financial sustainability of the University. Realising this ambition will require a capacity to invest in our strategic priorities.

“We have detailed plans for significant growth in funds from a range of activities, but we will also need to make cost savings. On 3 May the Board of Governors approved proposals from the senior staff of the University to commence consultation with the Trade Unions in relation to reductions of up to 171 posts.

“The University proposes to open a voluntary severance scheme for staff at risk, to avoid the need for compulsory redundancy if at all possible.”