The Exeter UCU has declared a motion of no confidence in University leadership, and is prepared for further strike action over plans to reduce staffing levels.
The dispute centres on The Exeter Release Scheme (TERS), a voluntary severance program set up by the University on March 25th with the stated aim of cutting staffing costs in a time of financial difficulty.
Exeter’s branch of the University and Colleges Union (EUCU) argues that TERS is unnecessary, has not been consulted properly, and that cuts in other areas should be prioritised. Union members also fear the University may introduce compulsory redundancies if there is insufficient uptake on the scheme, an outcome the University has said it has “no plans” for.
Third and fourth years will remember the widespread staff strikes of 2022/23 that had a major disruptive impact on learning and led to many students receiving financial compensation.
When asked by Exeposé if the current dispute could lead to a repeat of industrial action, a senior official in the EUCU replied “We hope that industrial action is not needed, but if the credible threat to jobs remains, then members will be given the option of taking industrial action to defend jobs…staff do not take such action lightly and it is extremely costly, so if this does happen it is only fair that we plan to have maximum impact and disruption on the operations of the university.”
“staff do not take such action lightly and it is extremely costly, so if this does happen it is only fair that we plan to have maximum impact and disruption on the operations of the university.”
EUCU official
The official continued, “We know that there is key information that they are withholding, including decisions made at Council, that have a bearing on staffing plans and the broader strategic plans for the university…I see a substantial disconnect between senior management and the wider staff and student bodies.”
Because of its voluntary nature the University was not required to consult with the trade unions in introducing the scheme.
The official added, “Senior leadership have not been sufficiently open and transparent about university finances or their strategic plans to establish that cuts to existing staff are warranted. The university currently makes a surplus and has significant cash balances. Strategic decisions are being made to spend that money on buildings…rather than retaining existing staff.”
According to its most recent financial statement, the University achieved a record income of £633 million in the 2022/23 financial year.
The University has been unspecific with what it hopes to achieve with TERS, and has provided no information on the financial targets it hopes to achieve with the scheme.
A spokesperson for the University told Exeposé, “The University has enjoyed sustained growth and success over a number of years, however against both a challenging global economic environment and the financial challenges faced across the sector, we need to adapt our operations to maintain our strong financial position.”
It is currently unclear what effect a reduced workforce will have on the student experience, but some modules have already been cancelled due to staffing issues.
The Student Guild has pledged to “ensure that [student] voices are heard and represented to the University and work with the University to ensure any impact for students is mitigated.”
