University staff back strike action over job cuts

University of Bradford staff have backed strike action in a consultative ballot over the potential loss of 200 jobs.

The UCU union said employees were told last month that 200 roles would go at the site as part of £13m worth of cuts.

The union added that 69% of members who voted in the ballot supported a walk-out, and if the result was repeated in a statutory ballot the university faced the possibility of strikes on campus.

The university has also announced it would close its chemistry and film and television degree programmes.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Our members are prepared to strike because they refuse to bear the brunt of years of mismanagement.

"The proposed cuts are fundamentally flawed and would see important courses axed.

"We have appealed to the vice-chancellor to work with us to defend as many jobs as possible and secure the future of our university, but no such assurances have been forthcoming."

A University of Bradford spokesperson said: "Like many UK universities, we are facing significant financial challenges and need to make at least £13m in savings.

"We are reviewing every area of the university in order to reduce costs and create a more efficient organisation, while still providing outstanding student experience and world-leading research.

"Part of this involves reducing our staffing costs, a process which we are part way through.

"We appreciate this is a challenging time for our staff and we are doing everything we can to support them."

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