A STRIKE and rally are set to begin later this week against Essex University plans to cut more than 400 jobs.
Essex University is closing its Southend Campus this summer, and relocating all courses to its Colchester site, it was revealed last year.
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 seven-day strike, organised by the University and College Union (UCU), will then take place at the university from Thursday until Thursday, February 19.
A rally at the Colchester Road entrance of Essex University will be held by UNISON at 12pm on Thursday.
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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
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