TEN days of strike action began at the University of Bradford today over management plans to make £16 million worth of cuts, slash hundreds of jobs and close multiple courses.

The University and College Union (UCU) is threatening “sustained disruption on campus” if the university fails to rule out compulsory redundancies.

At a picket today, Zak Hughes of Bradford UCU said: “All we need is to get a discussion going and we can save jobs here and we need the information that’s needed to make the changes. 

“Bradford University can do what other institutions have done in the sector and commit to no redundancies.”

At an all-staff meeting earlier this year, the university’s chief financial officer announced plans to cut about 300 full-time equivalent jobs.

UCU said this would lead to the closures of the chemistry and film and television courses, as well as fewer staff teaching archaeology and forensic science, biomedical sciences, dementia studies, engineering, peace studies and international development, pharmacy, psychology and public health.

Vice-chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon has been urged to prolong the consultation period or to take “concrete measures” to mitigate the job losses.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Bradford staff have no choice but to down tools because they refuse to see important courses cut, jobs axed and staff and students pay the price for management’s financial failings.

“The vice-chancellor now needs to extend the consultation period and rule out compulsory redundancies. If she refuses to do so, there will be sustained disruption on campus.”

The strikes are due to run until July 25 after two in three UCU members backed walkouts on a 57 per cent turnout.

The university was contacted for comment.