University students across England have revealed the full impact the cost of living crisis is having on them as the academic year reaches the halfway point. Results from a recent survey conducted by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) have found that students are struggling to keep up with rising bills and rent, with many now considering leaving university to save on costs.
New polling, commissioned from Public First by Universities UK, has revealed that the UK public doesn’t see reducing legal migration as a priority compared to other pressing issues, and are not in favour of cutting the number of international students.
In a recent speech, the Secretary of State for the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology outlined the department’s “singular goal” of leading the UK to science and technology superpower status by 2030. In the run up to the Spring Budget, Universities UK (UUK) in its latest report calls on the government to invest in University Enterprise Zones and use the UK’s pioneering universities to drive SME growth and rebuild the economy.
Following the March 2023 Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meeting, we wish to provide a progress update on three of the key commitments we made within the interim joint statement (dated 17 February 2023). These commitments were:
Universities UK (UUK), on behalf of USS employers, has today issued a joint statement with the University and College Union (UCU) outlining how both parties are working together on the future of USS benefits.
Responding to the announcement made in the Spring Budget of funding for investment zones, Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, said:
Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of St Andrews, has been elected as the next President of Universities UK (UUK).
The role runs for two academic years from 1 August 2023 and is elected through a ballot of UUK’s 140 members.
From supporting the efforts to preserve vital rail networks, to offering financial assistance to build bomb shelters so Ukrainian institutions can continue to conduct classes; UK universities have played a pivotal role in helping to support Ukraine over the past year.
Commenting on the publication today by The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) of graduate outcomes data and statistics in 2020/21, Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, said:
Our universities are a national asset. They give opportunities, grow the economy, solve global challenges, and equip graduates with skills for the future. We’ve set out the most compelling evidence behind the impact of universities.
Professor Steven West, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), has been awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023.
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, President of UUK has responded to the release of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
See the full press release from NHS England here.
In response to the recent government announcement to 'crackdown' on 'rip-off university degrees', Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK said:
Universities are critical to our economy and society – whether that’s developing the skills our economy needs to the next medical breakthrough. Without sustainable university funding we are at risk of losing these national assets.