Liverpool Hope Staff Redundancies
Friday 23-05-2025 - 08:58
A number of you have reached out to us regarding the current threat to academic staff here at Liverpool Hope University. We understand this is a time of uncertainty with much concern and confusion. Therefore we have held a meeting with the University and Colleges Union (UCU) Secretary to establish the facts around the situation. UCU is the trade union for academic staff.
Please let us advise that one of the key reasons that we exist is to represent all students and to look after your interests.
Whilst the SU President has a vote as a governor of University Council in the decision-making process around any changes at the University, our main position is to attempt to yield some influence, or at least establish the most accurate information.
The University is looking to reduce their academic staff by 39. The breakdown of this is as follows:
23 from Faculty of Education and Social Sciences
11 from the Faculty of Creative Arts and Humanities
5 from the Faculty of Health and Environmental Science
There is a collective consultation taking place with UCU via weekly meetings between HR, Finance and UCU, which will last for 30 days and the outcome will define the process moving forward. No decisions have been presently confirmed.
UCU have already submitted a ‘Failure to agree’ which outlines that they disagree with the proposals as they stand and this can lead to a status of ‘dispute’ which in turn could lead to a member’s ballot to decide the best next steps.
One of the criteria used to decide the relevant courses affected is the Staff / Student ratio.
105 academics received a letter on Friday to say they could be at risk. This is larger than the 39 reductions that they are looking to implement.
Students have organised an independent event on Thursday on the Rector’s Lawn. Lecturers will be there to speak with students. This is billed as a peaceful chat and gathering, which has nothing to do with the SU or the University. However, we want to stress that we fully support this engagement and encourage active involvement.
There are no changes due for this academic year. The earliest changes will be made in November.
Please feel free to reach out to the SU if you have any further queries or concerns. Our door is always open:
In solidarity,
Alex, Jemma & all at your Hope SU
