Crisis talks over jobs and courses at university

A number of jobs and courses at the University of Chichester hang in the balance as crisis talks about their future are held.

In total 27 administrative and academic jobs have been placed at risk and three courses could soon be axed.

The courses proposed to be phased out are an Honours Degree in Youth and Community Work, a Foundation Degree in Social Care and a Masters in Transpersonal Arts. All three courses are based at the Bishop Otter Campus in Chichester.

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Admission officer and lecturer for the Youth and Community Work degree course Sue Robertson was told she could lose her job along with five others in her team.

"This is purely my personal view. I am pretty upset about it, the students have been really supportive and have been emailing the management," said Ms Robertson.

"There is a need for youth workers. We have a lot of students in need of particular help with this intensive course."

A meeting was held on Tuesday between the University of Chichester Union (UCU) and management about the jobs at risk.

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Ms Robertson said after a meeting her team 'does have more time' and the Youth and Community Work degree course is currently still recruiting.

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Clive Behagg said: "As a result of changes to funding there will be fewer student places than expected at universities throughout England, and this will inevitably have a knock-on effect this summer for students who are seeking university places anywhere in the country.

"In addition to reducing places, funding has been cut.

"Now universities are having to do what every household in the country is doing '“ deciding what it can afford at a time of recession. We regret that this is necessary."

UCU chairman Chris Downs said: "Proposals have been put in place to make redundancies and we are in discussions with the management.

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"At the moment the proper procedures are being followed. Individual members of staff are being affected and are feeling a bit concerned."

Student applications to the university are up 17 per cent this year.