The University of Plymouth is, like many Universities in the UK, facing financial constraint and looking to make significant staffing cuts. The financial constraint is a situation being experienced Universities across the UK as a result of the quasi-marketisation of HEI’s, government policy and falling student numbers.
As a recognised Union of the University of Plymouth we are currently in an informal consultation process and nearing the end of a period of invitation to request voluntary redundancy (VR) or other mitigating suggestions. Key dates in this process are outlined on page 2 of this update.
Our position remains clear – we want no compulsory redundancies.
In order to fight these proposals your University of Plymouth UCU Executive have
Established a Redundancy Avoidance Committee
This has been meeting regularly since February 2025 to explore opportunities to avoid compulsory job losses. The UCU position throughout has been to challenge UoP to avoid compulsory job losses and to seek the best terms it can for VR.
Negotiated early initial sight and questioning of the BCDs
School representatives and Executive group members – are constantly challenging Heads of Schools on various points on the BCD.
Ensured UCU Presence at School Reorganisation Consultation Meetings
School Reps and other UCU ‘observers’ from the UCU Branch Exec. were present at school consultation meetings and continue to request more consultation meetings as the situation progresses.
Achievements so far:
- An agreed Voluntary Redundancy payment (statutory redundancy x 2)
- Change to timeline for CR applications moving the transition period and CR deadline from 2ndJune to 15th June
- VR process clarification and confirmation of a two year VR offer of the statutory redundancy x2 for the Education Cluster in the new School of Law, Humanities and Social Science.
What can you do to help?
- Keep reps informed of any developments in your school Plymouth UCU Contacts
- Support UCU’s Stop the Cuts campaign. You can sign the petition HERE
- Encourage a colleague to join UCU – we are stronger together UCU – Join UCU