Staff cuts on horizon for Surrey

Brexit and other financial pressures are to blame for potential redundancies at the University of Surrey, its vice-chancellor Max Lu has said.

The university needs to make up a shortfall of at least £15 million a year for the next few years, Lu said in a message to staff on 25 February seen by Research Fortnight. Brexit, a potential cut in tuition fee income—linked to the impending Augar review of post-18 education funding—and a fall in the national league tables have all affected the university’s financial situation, said Lu.

“Some of the main financial challenges include reduced income due to Brexit and an ever more competitive student recruitment environment, significantly increasing pension costs and a national review of tuition fee levels,” he wrote.