University of Brighton: Students fill streets in redundancy protest

University of Brighton students protested outside the office of vice-chancellor Debra Humphris today, calling for the job cuts to be scrapped.

The university announced that 110 members of staff face redundancy due to “generationally high” inflation and financial pressures.

Joshua Boyle, a fourth-year student who helped organise the protest, said: “The redundancies are going to have a huge impact.

Joshua Boyle, front, at the protest (Image: The Argus)

“The university should be about education not new fancy buildings. You cannot run education as a business.

“Students are angry and we have come together to show with bodies who people are angry at.”

The protest, co-organised by the University’s Socialist Students Society alongside the Solidarity society, Humanities society and LGBT society, saw students march from The Level to the University campus in Moulsecoomb.

Students marched in droves and carried signs lambasting the university, set off flares and called for Ms Humphris to resign.

Christian Hogsjberg, a history lecturer at risk of losing his job and a committee member for the University and Colleges Union, said: “I think student support is really critical to win this battle.

Christian Hogsjberg (Image: The Argus)

“The redundancies are devastating for the local community. Why should students suffer for this and the price of financial mismanagement?

“This protest shows their power and that is really inspiring.”

A university spokesman said: “We recognise that this is a very difficult and concerning time for our staff and we will be doing all we can to support those colleagues impacted by these proposals.

“Like other universities and businesses across all sectors, the backdrop to these changes has a significant financial dimension.

MOST READ:

• Hospital report: 'bullying', 'harassment', 'staff shortages' and patients at risk
• New name given to historic Brighton hotel (some people like it but some hate it)
• Four men appear in court accused of fight at Albion match - two charged with ABH

“By addressing the immediate financial challenge we face we can make the most of the opportunities available to us and continue to ensure our future sustainability and success.

“The University of Brighton will complete its long-term plan to consolidate on our three Brighton campuses during 2024. This will enable us to provide the best possible facilities for our students and staff.”

The university said it would be financing these plans through a “schedule of estate disposals” which would not take money from day-to-day activities.