Cleaners, IT staff and customer service workers will join a lunchtime rally against sweeping job losses at the University of Essex in Colchester on Thursday, says UNISON.
The rally, jointly organised by UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU), will call on bosses to stop plans to axe 400 jobs and close the university’s Southend campus.
Speakers at the rally will include TUC general secretary Paul Nowak and UNISON Eastern regional secretary Kerry Baigent.
UCU members also begin seven days of strikes on Thursday.
The university announced plans to slash 400 jobs, split evenly between academic and professional services staff, in December. Nearly 250 staff had already left in 2025 in a voluntary severance scheme.
The university blames its financial issues on falling student numbers, especially among international undergraduates who pay higher fees.
But UNISON warns the cuts will make Essex a less attractive place to study, with fewer people delivering courses and supporting students.
UNISON Eastern regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “These cuts will reduce the University of Essex to a husk, without enough staff to teach or support students.
“The shockwaves will be felt across Essex, both for by the people losing their jobs and the small businesses that rely on students and staff to keep going.
“University bosses need to think again and halt these catastrophic plans.”
The rally starts at noon on Thursday (12 February) at the Colchester Road entrance (Wivenhoe-side) to the University of Essex, CO4 3SQ.
