A SOUTHAMPTON university has announced that 62 jobs are at risk.

Vice Chancellor of Solent University Professor Graham Baldwin announced the job losses while answering questions at a meeting organised by the students’ union.

He also told the 14 students present at the meeting that £15million of savings need to be made by the university.

A spokesperson for the university added: “In response to the changes and challenges facing the higher education sector, and in line with other institutions, Southampton Solent University is restructuring to ensure it can continue to deliver its strategic priorities effectively.

“As part of this work, we can now confirm we are entering a redundancy consultation period with 62 roles at risk.”

Director of Human Resources, Andrea Thompson, said: “We recognise this is a difficult time for some of our people as we re-organise the university to ensure it continues to be in the best possible shape for the challenges ahead. We are working hard with colleagues to look at ways of avoiding redundancies and provide appropriate support and guidance.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, 200 members of UCU and Unison unions cast a vote of no confidence in VC Baldwin and his leadership team, after their requests for him not to make redundancies were rejected.

UCU regional official, Moray McAuley, said: 'The announcement of potential redundancies is a blow to staff and students, and confirms fears about the impact of cost savings on jobs and courses. UCU does not believe that these cuts are necessary and will be opposing any compulsory redundancies. We urge the university to listen to the concerns of staff and students and reconsider its decision.'

The announcement of job losses comes just months after the university opened its state-of-the-art £33million Spark building.