The Housing Studies Association is deeply concerned by the recent announcements of potential significant job losses across UK universities. The Housing Studies Association express our sincere regret for all colleagues affected by these cuts, particularly early-career researchers who now face increasing uncertainty in an already challenging job market. These developments highlight a broader, systemic issue that goes beyond individual institutions, affecting the strength of higher education and the quality of research in the UK.  

The financial pressures currently facing universities are the result of long-standing funding challenges and policy decisions. The Housing Studies Association believes that a fair and sustainable funding model is essential to protect the future of higher education and our researchers' valuable contributions to society. At a time when the UK faces complex challenges, from housing shortages to public health crises, investment in research and education is crucial to ensure the country can meet these demands with the best knowledge and expertise available.  

The impact of these job losses extends beyond the individuals affected. They threaten the quality and availability of independent research, which is essential for informing effective government policies and ensuring accountability. Academics have played a vital role in identifying risks, improving public services, and contributing to national progress. The decline in research capacity will make it harder to prevent future policy failures.  

Universities play a critical role in the economy, contributing over £265 billion annually, with every £1 of public funding returning £14 in economic value. Higher education research alone generates £54 billion, including £40 billion from improved private sector productivity and £14 billion from research-related spending by universities. For every £1 of public funding for research, the higher education sector generates £9.90 through research and knowledge exchange. This spending supports 121,500 jobs across the UK, in addition to the jobs created by innovations and knowledge generated through research. 

Moreover, knowledge exchange activities, which involve sharing expertise and ideas between universities and non-academic partners, contribute an additional £9 billion to the UK economy and support 39,600 full-time equivalent jobs. The continued financial strain on universities not only risks this significant economic contribution but also undermines the UK’s ability to remain a global leader in research, innovation, and public policy. 

This is more than just funding issues – it is a national challenge that affects the UK’s ability to deliver effective policy and support its citizens. Independent academic research is crucial to good governance, providing the evidence and insights needed to make informed decisions. The loss of academic expertise will weaken our ability to solve the country’s most pressing problems and improve public services.  

The Housing Studies Association calls for urgent action to: 

  • Establish a long-term, sustainable funding model for higher education and research, particularly in housing and social sciences, to prevent further job losses, support researchers, and safeguard future research capacity. 
  • Recognise the role of universities as a key part of the UK’s economic and social infrastructure, ensuring that independent knowledge continues to inform government policy and public services. 

The Housing Studies Association stands with all those affected by job losses and the broader funding crisis in higher education. We urge the Government to act now to protect the future of independent academic research in the UK. Without decisive action, we risk a severe decline in knowledge and the ability to tackle societal challenges. Furthermore, higher education threatens to become less accessible, with only those who can afford to withstand the growing job insecurity able to pursue academic careers – limiting opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds and weakening the UK’s knowledge base for generations to come. 

For Editors: 

  1. Economic Contribution of Higher Education: 
    1. According to a report by London Economics, commissioned by Universities UK, the UK higher education sector contributes over £265 billion annually to the UK economy. For every £1 of public funding invested, universities generate £14 in economic value. 
    2. Higher education research alone generates £54 billion, including £40 billion from improved private sector productivity and £14 billion from university spending on research. 
    3. For every £1 of public funding for research, the higher education sector generates £9.90 through research and knowledge exchange activities. 
    4. Research spending supports 121,500 jobs across the UK, while knowledge exchange activities contribute £9 billion to the economy and support an additional 39,600 full-time equivalent jobs. 
    5. Full report available at: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/publications/economic-impact-higher-education
  2. Contact Information: 
    1. For further information or media inquiries, please contact our Communications Team at [email protected]   
The Housing Studies Association (HSA) is a limited company registered in England and Wales under company number 13958843 at 42 Wellington Road, Greenfield, OL3 7AQ.
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