Teaching and support staff at the University of Sunderland are facing redundancy, the university has confirmed, as it moves to cut costs in response to pressures across the higher education sector.
The university said it must reduce spending because of a number of challenges, including rising costs and regulatory and policy changes. Staff and students are currently being supported throughout the process.
University statement on cost reduction
In a statement, the University of Sunderland said: "We are not immune to the pressures affecting universities, including rising costs and regulatory and policy changes. This has created a difficult financial outlook for the higher education sector."
The statement added: "We are working with staff across the university to identify where we can reduce costs, without compromising student experience. We will take a measured and transparent approach to this process, ensuring staff and students are involved and supported throughout. This will ensure the university remains a great place to study and work."
Recent milestones for the university
The announcement comes a day after the university became Sunderland AFC's official higher education partner. Last month, it was ranked 13th in the North and North East university ranking by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2027.
The guide provides definitive rankings for UK universities and a comprehensive overview of higher education in Britain, using the latest data. It evaluates factors such as satisfaction with teaching quality, student experience, degree continuation rates, and graduate employment prospects, helping students and their families make informed choices about higher education.
