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MPs warned uni restructure could 'harm' economy

Ant Saddington/ BBC A drone shot of the University campus on the river. Ant Saddington/ BBC
In the letter addressed to MPs, university unions said the plans could harm the region's economy

Unions for staff and students at a university waned MPs voicing proposed restructuring plans could harm the economy.

An open letter from the University of Northampton's University College Union (UCU) and UNISON members urged all seven of Northamptonshire's MPs to renegotiate the Waterside Campus loan repayment terms, remove restrictions on international student visas and address higher education funding nationally.

The university has a £19m deficit and is currently consulting on potential cost-saving measures including the possibility of closing some courses.

The letter stated: "If [the plan] goes ahead remaining staff will shoulder heavier workloads increasing their susceptibility to physical and wellbeing issues.

"Students will have fewer subjects to choose from, may have to study in larger classes, and will likely have less contact time with staff," it continued.

Sam Read/ BBC A black sign for the University of Northampton by a road.Sam Read/ BBC
The unions estimate the University of Northampton generates millions in revenue for the local economy

The resilience and institutional sustainability exercise (RISE) plan, introduced by senior leadership at the university, aims to save nearly £13m by 2029.

However, even with the savings, the university would still operate at a projected deficit of more than £2.6m.

The unions argued the cuts will reduce learning provision, limit degree options and increase workloads for remaining staff and claimed it could potentially exacerbate mental health and wellbeing challenges.

'No concerns'

Mike Reader, Labour MP for Northampton South said: "I will do all I can to help the university, staff and students.

"I am in regular contact with the university and have already raised the plight of UoN in Parliament."

Rosie Wrighting, Labour MP for Kettering said: "I will be monitoring this closely and urge anybody in Kettering who will be impacted to email me with their concerns."

All of the other Northamptonshire MPs have been contacted by the BBC for comment.

Prof Anne-Marie Kilday, the vice-chancellor at the university, said: "We've got a deficit, but we're managing it and we have absolutely no concerns about our viability going forward."

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