Teesside University to Reduce Staff Amid Student Enrollment Drop

Teesside University intends to reduce its teaching workforce, citing a decrease in international student enrollment for its programs. The institution is seeking 27 academic employees to accept voluntary redundancy, a measure prompted by a decline in student figures across certain degree courses, attributed to new visa regulations implemented at the beginning of the year. Dr. Terry Murphy, representing the University and College Union (UCU), suggested that Teesside University ought to leverage the reduced class sizes to enhance teaching quality, rather than “maximising profits.” The university stated it is currently examining its operational methods to achieve greater efficiency and provide “value for money.” The overall population of international students pursuing studies in the UK has decreased following the implementation of regulations on 1 January, which prohibit accompanying family members from relocating to the UK with them. Dr. Murphy indicated that the university is considering eliminating positions within its business and English language departments, a consequence of the reduced enrollment of international students. He further stated that the union was informed that if the target of 27 voluntary redundancies is not met, the university has indicated the possibility of implementing compulsory redundancies in January. Dr. Murphy asserted that Teesside University maintains a robust financial standing, having reported a £40 million profit last year and possessing £260 million in reserves, suggesting it should prioritize enhancing teaching quality over reducing its workforce. “If student numbers have reduced, especially overseas students, the thing to do is to use the staff to give the existing students more teaching, smaller classes and better quality,” he commented. He added, “In all of its existence Teesside has never had a compulsory redundancy package and we think now is not the time to start.” A spokesperson for Teesside University stated that, notwithstanding its “robust financial position,” the institution is endeavoring to “mitigate against the increasingly challenging financial context.” The spokesperson elaborated, “We are reviewing our operating models and expenditure, identifying efficiencies and ensuring we continue to deliver value for money.” They concluded, “This includes the option of voluntary redundancy in a small number of academic areas, where student numbers have declined.”