The University of Nottingham has announced plans to cut more than 250 jobs as part of efforts to tackle financial difficulties.
On Tuesday, the university launched a 90-day consultation outlining proposals that include removing 258 professional services roles, as well as axing a further 98 vacant positions.
The affected roles span a wide range of non-academic jobs within the university’s workforce of around 5,000.
University president and vice-chancellor, Professor Jane Norman, described the situation as a “critical moment for universities across the UK”, highlighting that the sector is grappling with significant financial pressures.
She pointed to falling revenues, a decline in international student numbers, and the continued impact of the rising cost of living as key contributors to the crisis.
The news follows warnings from the University and College Union (UCU), which recently said that up to 10,000 university jobs could be at risk this academic year due to what it called an “unprecedented crisis” in higher education.
Universities UK, representing 141 institutions, has called for “sustained action” from the government to help stabilise the sector financially.
Meanwhile, the Department for Education (DfE) said it had “inherited a sector facing serious financial risk” and had made “tough decisions” to address the issue.
The announcement comes shortly after Cardiff University confirmed plans to cut 400 full-time jobs in response to its own funding shortfall.
Professor Norman explained that staff numbers at Nottingham had grown faster than student numbers in recent years, leading to an unsustainable financial position.
“Change for any organisation is a difficult and painful process, and we fully appreciate that this announcement will cause uncertainty for many of our colleagues,” she said.
“Our proposals are in no way a reflection of the dedication, hard work and ability of our staff, but the current financial picture means we must focus our efforts on where we are best positioned to thrive.”
The university has said it is working closely with unions to support affected staff. Professor Norman also reassured students that Nottingham’s commitment to delivering the highest academic standards and best possible student experience remains unchanged.
A spokesperson for the university added that efforts had been made to cut costs sustainably over recent months. Measures have included reducing budgets, freezing recruitment for all but the most critical roles, removing £40 million from planned spending, and cutting back on travel.
In addition, the university plans to reduce its estate size by 20%, which includes beginning the sale of King’s Meadow Campus.
