A trade union worker says Colchester students will be affected as two rallies and a strike are set to begin in response to Essex University plans to cut more than 400 jobs.
It was revealed in December that the university is closing its Southend Campus this summer, and relocating all courses to its Colchester site.
The closure is taking place to secure the institution’s financial future, with 200 academic roles and 200 professional service staff members set to be cut over the next two years.
A UNISON rally is taking place in Southend tomorrow at The Forum in Elmer Square from 12noon until 1pm, followed by a Colchester rally at the same time on February 12 at the Colchester Road entrance of Essex University.
A seven-day strike, organised by the University and College Union (UCU), will then take place from Thursday, February 12, to Thursday, February 19.
Speaking to the Gazette, UNISON University of Essex branch secretary Ryan McCready said: “These reckless cuts aren’t just a tragedy for the hundreds of staff losing their jobs.
“There’s no way to swing the axe so widely without thwacking students and the wider community in the process.
“Some students will be forced to relocate or travel across the county to get to lectures.
“But Colchester's students will be hit too, as the university hobbles the support services designed to ensure everyone get the most out of their studies.
“This will only cause student numbers to fall further and create more pressures on finances, not just for the university but for businesses across Southend and Colchester which rely on people being on campus.”
During the strike, participating staff will boycott exam boards and open days, not undertake voluntary activities and not cover for absent colleagues.
Around 800 students are expected to transfer from Southend to Colchester from September, with the university promising enhanced access to academic, social and cultural facilities at the larger campus.
The closure comes against the backdrop of a sharp and sustained decline in international student numbers — a fall of 52 per cent at Southend since 2021-22 — which has left the institution facing serious financial pressures.
Mr McCready added: “The University of Essex needs to rethink these plans and staff, students and concerned members of the public will have the opportunity to put the pressure on bosses at these rallies.
“We urge everyone who can to come down and show their support with banners, their voices or just being there to show they care.”
A spokesperson for Essex University said its aim is to protect the quality of the courses the university offers, and to unlock the full potential of all its students for their future work and lives.
The university's work within Southend, including outreach into schools and supporting businesses with research will continue.
Speaking about the strike, the spokesperson said: “The university will do everything it can to ensure that any strike action affects our students as little as possible.
“Our priority is to ensure students can continue to enjoy their time at the university while fulfilling their potential.
"The university will remain open on all campuses to support the delivery of education and research. Library, IT, and student support services will be available as normal, and all shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and sporting activities will be unaffected.
"During this time, we’re working extremely hard to safeguard students’ learning outcomes and their overall experience.
"We recognise the concern this situation may cause and will communicate regularly with students to ensure they are aware of the support available to them.”
Uni boss on Southend closure
Professor Frances Bowen, vice-chancellor of the university said: "To provide the best environment for our students to flourish, we must deliver our mission in a different way.
“This not only means having to operate more efficiently and reduce our costs but also focusing on our strengths and delivering a student experience across the whole university that matches the investment students are making in their own future.
“The university is taking decisive steps towards a sustainable future by concentrating research and education on two campuses and reducing staff numbers to more closely match a lower student population.
“Focusing our teaching, research and student services on fewer sites - at our campuses in Colchester and Loughton - will give our university a consolidated platform for the future and enable us to better respond to the significant financial challenges facing the whole UK higher education sector."
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