Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions she has had with (a) the University of Kent and (b) Canterbury Christ Church University on the potential impact of redundancies of teaching staff on (i) the effectiveness of (1) teaching and (2) research and (ii) student recruitment.

The government is aware of the financial challenges currently affecting the higher education (HE) sector. The department is aware that some providers, including the University of Kent and the Canterbury Christ Church University, are making difficult decisions around staffing in order to safeguard their financial sustainability. As independent entities, universities are responsible for pay and provision of staff, and the government does not have a role in intervening. However, we expect providers to work with staff, using their knowledge and experience to help identify how best to operate efficiently. All efficiency measures taken by the sector should provide a better long-term future for staff, students and the country.

This government is determined to build a HE system fit for the future. Ministers and departmental officials remain dedicated to engaging with the Office for Students, HE unions, the employer body and the wider sector. Regular discussions are being held to gain a deeper understanding of the issues impacting HE providers, students and staff, and to develop our plans for HE reform, which will be announced in summer 2025.