Recovery and transformation at the University of Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton is committed to providing access to higher education for all who can benefit, enriching and celebrating the excellent student experience and success of those who study with us, supported by our dedicated community of staff.

Since the beginning of the year, the University's new leadership team has sought to be transparent and open with staff and students about its current challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased costs while at the same time, like many similar modern universities, enrolments – and associated income – has been falling. This difficult financial landscape has significantly impacted the University's ability to reduce its current financial deficit of £20m – something that must be addressed to ensure the future financial sustainability of the University.   

The University recognises how worrying this period of change may be for some staff, as difficult decisions are made. Over the coming months, we will continue to work with our community to develop plans for moving forwards to a sustainable financial future. 

Support is available for all colleagues in the Staff Wellbeing Hub, and students can access support through ASK@WLV. 

Latest update: 6 July 2022

On Wednesday 6 July, the University of Wolverhampton announced a proposal to reduce the number of staff it employs. The proposal might affect as many as 250 roles, although this figure includes almost 100 colleagues whom we anticipate leaving through our Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS). The University has now entered a period of consultation with our recognised trade unions, the University and College Union (UCU) and Unison, to discuss our proposals and explore alternative options.     

Any decisions on the future of individual jobs will not be taken until a period of meaningful consultation has taken place, and the University is committed to treating all staff with dignity and respect throughout this difficult time.     

Since the beginning of the year, the University’s new leadership team has been transparent and open with staff, students and the trade unions around the challenges it currently faces. The Covid-19 pandemic and rising inflation have significantly increased costs, while at the same time, like many similar, modern universities, student enrolments – and associated tuition fee income – have been falling. This difficult financial landscape significantly impacts the University’s ability to reduce its current financial deficit of £20m – something that must be addressed to ensure the future financial sustainability of the University.    

The University has a robust recovery plan in place to tackle these challenges. To date, this recovery plan has seen staff offered an enhanced Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS), as well as the decision to freeze recruitment to vacant roles. While both of these measures have made valuable contributions to the recovery plan, it has become clear that, on their own, they are not enough to reverse the University’s current, unsustainable financial position.    

Changes that affect people are always the hardest to make and this proposal hasn’t been made lightly. But, the University believes this approach is the only path forward, if the University is to, once again, thrive and grow.     

Further announcements will be made in due course, but until then, the University requests that the consultation process is fully respected and allowed to run its proper course.