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Many university employees are in danger of losing their jobs as schools try to save money amidst a significant decline in the enrollment of international students.
According to The Times, university leaders are cautioning about potential budget reductions, which could include discontinuing certain courses or downsizing faculty, as the institutions face financial deficits.
This school year, a minimum of fifteen universities in the United Kingdom have declared staff reductions and implemented further expense-cutting measures in an effort to improve their finances.
In March, over 120 employees at Sheffield Hallam University received letters indicating a potential risk of losing their jobs and were given until 18 March to seek voluntary redundancy or apply for a limited number of available positions. In February, the University of Kent announced plans to eliminate 58 jobs and discontinue nine courses in order to address financial difficulties.
As a result of tuition fees being frozen, many universities have resorted to enrolling international students who pay significantly higher amounts compared to domestic students in order to cover their expenses.
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, overseas students comprised 24 per cent of all students in higher education during the 2021-2022 academic year. However, early acceptance data indicates a 37 per cent decrease in overseas recruits for the upcoming financial year.
Northumbria University stated that the reductions were required because there has been a decrease in the number of Nigerian students arriving in the UK, possibly due to the devaluation of the Nigerian currency compared to the pound.
According to The Times, the acceptance data indicates that there could be a 71% decrease in the number of students coming from Nigeria.
According to John Rushforth, who is the executive secretary for the Committee of University Chairs, after being involved in higher education for 30 years, he has observed that senior leaders are currently facing a higher level of concern and anxiety than he has ever seen before.
According to the newspaper, some universities may face the possibility of bankruptcy and are being pressured to take significant measures to prevent it.
“Reducing the number of British students is a final option, but if there is a financial loss, it must be taken into consideration. Due to the severity of the situation, all aspects must be thoroughly evaluated,” stated the individual.
Universities must carefully consider what they need to safeguard and decide to let go of non-essential assets. This may limit options for students. Ultimately, they must either generate more revenue or decrease the quality or quantity of their offerings.
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Last year, numerous employees of the University and College Union (UCU) took part in a strike to demonstrate against the oppressive pay penalties implemented for participating in a summer boycott of grading.
According to the Independent, Tanzil Chowdhury, a senior law lecturer at Queen Mary, claims to have gone without full pay for five months due to his involvement in a lawful boycott.
Source: independent.co.uk
