Right now, the University is proposing 39 compulsory redundancies:

23 in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences
11 in the Faculty of Creative Arts and Humanities
5 in the Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences

Because more than 20 roles are affected, this qualifies as a collective redundancy under UK law, meaning the University must legally consult with the academic staff union, UCU. Following discussions on May 15th, 2025, UCU issued a Failure to Agree notice, stating that these proposed cuts are unjustified. This opens the door to legal action, including potential strikes, unless the University withdraws these redundancies.

On May 16th, staff at risk received letters informing them of the potential job loss. While not everyone who received a letter will lose their job, the damage is already done. Colleagues who have dedicated years – even decades – to this institution are now facing unnecessary uncertainty and stress.

This is not just a staff issue – it affects us as students too.
We chose this University for more than just buildings and branding; we chose it because of the lecturers, researchers, and support staff who make our education meaningful. Without them, the very essence of what makes this institution valuable to us would be lost.

In the directors report 2023 , the university's mission remains: “to be a provider of high-quality educational programmes responsive to the needs of students.” How can they claim to be doing this while cutting the very people who provide the education?

In 2023/24, the Vice Chancellor earned £250,000 — more than five times the salary of an average lecturer.
There were eight other staff members earning between £100,000 and £250,000 — none of whom are directly involved in teaching.
Should these financial priorities come at the expense of the very people who deliver education?

As a nation, we are privileged to have access to education and the freedom to pursue courses we are passionate about. Education should never be reduced to a mere business opportunity. Education should empower, not profit. It should be protected, not exploited.

Let us be absolutely clear:
Education is not a commodity.
It is not a line on a budget sheet.
It is a human right.

When a university is run like a business, it is the students and staff who bear the cost.

We demand the University withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies.
We demand a guarantee: No staff member loses their job against their will.
Because when staff are forced out, the quality of education we expect and deserve disappears.

To the University leadership: Do the right thing.
To every student: speak up and ask questions. Education helps give us a voice – now we use it.

Sign the petition today and demand a stop  to compulsory redundancies at Liverpool Hope University.