THE University of Chester has confirmed it is planning to axe dozens of jobs.

The university has notified unions it is planning to lose up to a total of 86 roles, and is now in consultation with them.

In a statement, it said up to 35 of these roles "may be subject to compulsory redundancy".

In response, the University and College Union met on Wednesday, March 31 to vote on a motion to oppose compulsory redundancies.

It said, in a record-breaking turnout, members voted unanimously to oppose compulsory redundancies and would now be campaigning on this basis.

The UCU Chester branch wrote on social media: "This year, staff have gone above and beyond to support students and adapt to teaching in a pandemic. Now the University of Chester has issued a notice of 86 potential redundancies.

"Staff are angry and concerned. This is part of a broader pattern of Universities targeting staff who are already burned out after an incredibly challenging year, this is how management show their appreciation?"

A spokesman for the University of Chester said: “The University of Chester has notified its recognised trade unions, the University and College Union and Unison, of possible redundancies.

"The notice applies to up to 35 posts across the University which may be subject to compulsory redundancy and up to a further 51 posts where the university may agree with employees who have applied for voluntary severance for them to leave the University’s employment on agreed terms.

“The university and the trade unions are currently engaged in statutory collective consultation on ways of avoiding or reducing any compulsory redundancies and mitigating the consequences, for example, through redeployment.”