6 November 2026
A consultation process has begun at the University involving the recognised trade unions: UCU and UNISON
A consultation process has begun at the University of Sunderland involving the recognised trade unions: UCU and UNISON. The first meeting took place on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Up to 188 posts are potentially at risk of redundancy. This is not a final outcome and includes a number of fractional contracts.
The University and the trade unions are committed to working together. Consultation meetings will take place weekly in November and into December.
All parties recognise that this is a difficult situation that will create uncertainty. Following a request from the trade unions, the University has confirmed it will not issue any dismissal notices to impacted staff in this calendar year.
As part of the consultations, the University has agreed to look at various ways to maximise the number of people who leave the university on a voluntary basis, rather than through compulsory redundancy. There is agreement on the need to avoid compulsory redundancies, wherever possible.
Consultation will continue with a view to both explore and agree ways of avoiding or reducing redundancies and mitigating their impact wherever possible.