Statement from the University of Leicester

Today, the University of Leicester wrote to all colleagues to confirm that 145 roles have been placed at risk of redundancy, with a potential net reduction of circa 60 posts – just under 2% of total staff.

This follows a pre-change engagement with affected staff and recognised trade unions, announced in October last year.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester, said:

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly. As an executive team, we have worked hard to limit the changes and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. 

“We will also be supporting those who are affected by today’s announcement – through workshops, our Employee Assistance Programme and our health and wellbeing service. Should any roles be made redundant, we will redeploy team members where possible and we will launch a significant retraining fund.

“We appreciate this is already a difficult time for many but we also know that we have to take action now to avoid further, larger changes in the future.

“The University of Leicester is a world-leading research and education institution but global competition is fierce and our standing cannot be taken for granted.  

“To continue to deliver excellence and to compete on a global level, we must build on our key strengths and we must invest in people and infrastructure. To facilitate this, we may need to cease activity in a limited a number of areas, options we will be exploring in the consultation process over the next few months.

“It is vital those affected by the changes hear these proposals first-hand before they are discussed more widely, and they have the chance to offer alternative suggestions. Together, we will explore the ways we can strengthen our position as a world-leading, research intensive university – one that conducts excellent research and provides an exceptional educational experience for our students, now and in the future.”