Universities are central to the development of skills, knowledge and research, and drive regeneration, social mobility and innovation. The impact of COVID-19 significantly risks universities' ability to contribute to the UK economy, which could have a lasting impact on post-virus economic recovery.
This paper, proposed to senior cabinet members in the UK government, highlights the likely damage to higher education without mitigations and support, and proposes a balanced package of measures and actions needed to ensure universities can weather the serious financial challenges posed by COVID-19.