Arts University Bournemouth staff in ‘despair’ over job cuts

Staff at an arts university are “between fury and despair” over major cuts to its workforce, a union has said.

Up to 93 people are facing redundancy at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) where 75 full-time equivalent roles are set to be cut.

The University and College Union (UCU) said up to 19% of “already overworked and under-resourced” staff members could lose their jobs.

Vice-chancellor and CEO Lisa Mann said AUB was seeking to “protect the long-term sustainability of the university” amid a fall in student numbers.

AUB confirmed it was consulting with UCU and Unison over cuts to academic, technical and professional roles.

Ms Mann said: “We deeply regret having to take this step.

“Every effort has been made to avoid potential compulsory redundancies, and we recognise the impact this will have on valued colleagues.

“However, the scale of the financial challenges we face – particularly in the context of reduced student numbers – means that we must take further action now to protect the long-term sustainability of the university.”

AUB students, who typically pay more than £9,500 a year in tuition fees, have staged their own protests.

UCU branch secretary Ian Dolan said: “I’ve never seen a mood on campus like this.

“Students are furious and staff are caught between fury and despair.”

Mr Dolan cited Ms Mann’s six-figure salary.

“Staff are keenly aware that those at the top of the institution are at no risk of redundancy,” he said.

However, a university spokesperson said one person in the senior leadership team had been made redundant in February, while Ms Mann’s previous role had not been filled and two roles had been consolidated, saving £244,400 a year.

Ms Mann took on the role of vice-chancellor in January and AUB figures show her £165,000 remuneration is significantly lower than her predecessor’s £275,443 salary and pension package.

Chief finance and operating officer Mehjabeen Patrick said: “The university has already taken significant steps to reduce costs across the institution, but the current financial pressures we face are unprecedented.”

AUB employs 502 permanent staff.