LECTURERS at Winchester University are being consulted on strike action over “catastrophic mismanagement,” which they say threatens the loss of more than a quarter of staff and the closure of key departments.

The University and College Union (UCU) said today that 249 jobs are under threat from a workforce of 900.

It warned that the university’s English language programme, its institute for climate and social justice, the centre for religion, reconciliation and peace and its managed housing department are all in danger of being axed.

Winchester’s psychology, acting and apprenticeships programmes could also be scrapped.

Lecturers have voted for a consultative ballot on whether to hold a formal ballot for strike action.

The university installed a statue of climate activist Greta Thunberg in 2021 as part of a £50 million development and described itself as “the university for sustainability and social justice.”

UCU Winchester branch secretary Simon Boxley said: “We refuse to allow management to take a wrecking ball to the university and force through cuts that will have devastating consequences for students and staff.”

The university was contacted for comment.