The University of Nottingham has cut casual teaching staff from its Language Centre, citing financial pressures and the need to prioritise core academic services. The decision affects staff delivering evening language courses to the public as well as supplementary language options for undergraduate students.
According to the university, these offerings did not generate a financial surplus, prompting a review of resource allocation. The cuts are part of broader cost-saving measures aimed at stabilising the institution’s financial position.
The affected staff were employed on casual contracts, which required no notice or consultation prior to termination. This has sparked concern among some educators, particularly those who had relied on the work for income stability.
The move has drawn criticism from members of the University and College Union and the wider community, with concerns about access to British Sign Language education and the erosion of the university’s community-facing initiatives. An open letter opposing the decision has gathered hundreds of signatures.
The university stated that it may reconsider community language programmes once its financial situation improves. For now, it is focusing its investment on undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences.
