UCLan to cut workforce by 5%

The University of Central Lancashire has announced that it is to reduce its 3,300-strong workforce by 5 per cent to cut costs.

The university, the largest in the county and one of the largest employers in the region, says the decision was necessary due to "unprecedented financial challenges."

The university has launched a voluntary redundancy scheme and is currently asking for expressions of interest from its academic and professional services employees.

Prof Graham Baldwin, vice-chancellor of UCLan, said: "The Higher Education sector is facing unprecedented financial challenges and we need to proactively respond in order to be more agile and able to deal with the pace of change impacting the sector today and into the future.

"At a time when income is static and our expenditure is growing, we need to start reducing our costs as well as balancing developing areas of growth and investing in areas that attract students to study with us.

"We know this is a concerning time for our staff and we have support systems in place during this difficult time. As ever our continued priority is our students and giving them a great university experience.”