UNIVERSITY of Huddersfield bosses have found money to offer a voluntary redundancy package - after union chiefs applied pressure to avoid compulsory job losses.

As previously reported by the Telegraph & Argus, the university had announced plans to make 198 compulsory redundancies, which is more than 10 per cent of its current workforce.

Now, the union Unison has said the university has found cash to provide a voluntary redundancy scheme - describing this as "much fairer and easier to stomach than compulsory job losses".

The offer includes an additional payment of £5,000 for at-risk staff as well as statutory redundancy pay.

Leaders at the University of Huddersfield said they were "pleased to have reached an affordable agreement which benefits those leaving".

Bradfordians are among those who study and work at the university. 

Vikki Garratty, Unison Yorkshire and Humberside regional organiser, said: "This outcome is a clear demonstration of the power of being in a union.

"Almost 200 members of staff were facing compulsory redundancy. But they've worked together, with the support of students, to put pressure on the university. That's led managers to find the cash for a voluntary redundancy scheme.

"Nobody wants to be at risk of losing their job, but giving staff the option of voluntary redundancy is much fairer and easier to stomach than compulsory job losses.

"It's a great demonstration of unity and strength by staff, who've put pressure on university bosses and improved the situation they find themselves in."

A spokesperson for the University of Huddersfield said: "Since 2012, UK undergraduate tuition fees have increased by only 2.8 per cent, from £9,000 to £9,250, despite inflation surging by over 50 per cent.

"This has precipitated a financial crisis in the university sector, affecting many institutions including ours.

"We are now among the 40 per cent of universities facing budget deficits in 2023-24, further exacerbated by a 44 per cent sector-wide decline in international student enrolments in January 2024 due to changes in Government immigration policy.

"Rising staff costs, particularly in pension contributions, further strain our budget.

"Our commitment to educational excellence remains unwavering as we adapt to these economic realities, maintaining high standards.

"We worked hard with our staff and their trade unions and are pleased to have reached an affordable agreement which benefits those leaving the university this summer."