University staff to strike over job cuts
Stuart Woodward/BBCStaff at the University of Essex are set to strike next week over cuts to 400 full-time jobs.
The union, Unison, said admissions advisors, IT technicians, admin workers and other professional services staff would walk out on Monday over the proposals.
It said the £24m cuts had already forced the closure of the university's Southend campus, adding that job cuts would "hit the quality of students' education and the support available to them".
A spokesperson for the university said: "[We are] committed to making sure any industrial action affects our students as little as possible. We've engaged fully with union leaders... and their feedback has helped shape our decisions."
Unison said staff felt they had been left with no choice but to strike "after university leaders refused to properly engage with them or listen to suggestions to minimise job losses".
It said Monday's action was timed to coincide with an annual meeting where the vice-chancellor of the institution sets out its achievements over the past year.
Unison regional organiser Wayne Instone said: "Staff want to be getting everything ready to welcome students back for the new academic year.
"Instead, they're being forced to strike in a last attempt to stop the destruction of their university."
More stories from Essex:
The university spokesperson added: "The closure of our Southend campus and reduction in staffing to match our current student numbers have involved difficult decisions, and we recognise the impact this process has had on colleagues.
"Universities across the UK are facing significant financial pressures.
"The decisions we have taken are designed to put Essex on a sustainable footing and protect its future for our students, staff and wider community."
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
