
A performance of Emilia! by AUB Productions at the university's Studio Theatre
Photo: Andy Beeson/Arts University Bournemouth
Arts University Bournemouth considers compulsory redundancies
The university, which employs more than 400 staff, has posted a deficit in each of the last three financial years.
Jobs at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) could be at risk as the institution tries to address ongoing financial pressures, it has emerged.
The university, which teaches more than 3,000 students across a range of courses including acting, performing arts and creative writing, has told staff there is “no option but to consider a compulsory redundancy scheme”.
Lisa Mann, vice-chancellor and chief executive at AUB, told the Bournemouth Echo that, like other higher education providers in the UK, the university is facing “many challenges”, including rising national insurance contributions, inflationary pressures and stagnation in student funding.
“As for many universities, AUB is not immune from these external financial challenges, and we have now notified staff that there is unfortunately no option but to consider a compulsory redundancy scheme.
“I have reassured students that this will not affect their experience or have an impact on teaching.
“We have a learning, teaching and assessment framework that sets out a clear commitment to our students, stating expected teaching hours for their course, we will not be moving away from this, the hours we will deliver will remain the same.”
The university has posted a deficit in each of the last three financial years – £4.1m in 2020/21, £2.2m in 2021/22, and £1.1m in 2022/23.
According to its most recent annual report for year ending March 2023 expenditure on staff came to £24.4m compared with £24.3m the previous year.
It has around 450 staff, of which more than half (267) work in teaching departments.
News that AUB is considering redundancies follows the announcement last week that Cardiff University plans to cut 400 academic staff jobs and close a number of courses entirely, including music.
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