De Montfort University (DMU) in Leicester is cutting 80 roles as part of a wider effort to close a £22 million funding gap. A total of 94 positions, including senior lecturers, associate professors, lecturers, and research staff, have been placed at risk.
The university cited a sharp drop in student numbers, stagnant tuition fees, and rising employer National Insurance contributions as key pressures. Although some cost-saving measures had already been introduced, such as voluntary severance schemes, pausing non-essential projects, and restricting spending, these have not been enough to balance the books.
The financial shortfall is partially linked to investments in new campus developments in London and Dubai. While these projects were intended to diversify income and reduce reliance on domestic undergraduate tuition, they have contributed to current budget challenges.
DMU still needs to find an additional £5 million in savings to meet its target, as institutions across the UK grapple with intensifying cost pressures and shifts in the higher education landscape. The university remains one of Leicester’s major employers and plays a significant role in the regional economy.
