After Christmas, London Metropolitan University made the shocking decision to cut approximately 120 academic roles, about 20% of lecturers, affecting various departments and programmes. This drastic measure has left us reeling, as we adjust to significant changes that impact both students and remaining staff.

The Academic Mentor service, a vital support system for students, has been completely removed. Many subject areas are being reduced or eliminated, leaving students with limited guidance and fewer learning opportunities. These cuts mean longer waits for feedback, fewer office hours, and reduced individual support for students—a decline that risks compromising the quality of education.

For the remaining staff, this results in heavier workloads, larger class sizes, tighter teaching schedules, and increased administrative responsibilities. Such an environment is detrimental to both teaching efficacy and staff wellbeing, raising the risk of burnout and reducing the time available for one-on-one student engagement.

It is crucial for London Metropolitan University to reconsider this decision. Cutting such a significant portion of academic staff not only jeopardizes the careers of dedicated educators but also undermines the institution's commitment to providing a quality education.

We urge the senior leadership at London Met to halt these plans and explore alternative solutions. Prioritizing education and investing in staff retention is essential to maintaining a supportive and effective learning environment. By reallocating budgets or seeking external funding, the university can prevent these redundancies and preserve the quality of education for which it stands.

A stop to these redundancies will not only benefit the current staff members but will also serve the best interests of the students, future applicants, and the community at large. We have seen other educational institutions successfully navigate financial challenges without compromising staff or educational quality. London Met can do the same.

Sign this petition to demand that London Metropolitan University halts the redundancy plans for 120 academic staff members, safeguarding both the future of the faculty and the quality of education provided to students. Together, we can make a difference for our university community and ensure that education remains a top priority at London Met.

University and College Union  demands that all compulsory redundancies be withdrawn immediately and insists on genuine, meaningful consultation with staff and students about London Met’s future. Defend London Met as a community-focused university that prioritises excellent teaching and student support over expensive building projects and six-figure salaries for senior managers.