Stephen has joined academic associations from across the country in calling on the government to support a new deal for higher education.
The group, led by the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies, wrote to Education Ministers last week. They pointed out that the sharp drop in universities’ income - as a result of a fall in student numbers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic - will endanger the ability of the UK Higher Education sector to maintain excellence in education and research.
The associations called the current government funding model “inadequate” and said rather than providing a one-time bailout, public spending on colleges and universities needs to be increased to be in line with the 34 countries which make up the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Even before the pandemic nearly 25 percent of all UK universities were in deficit and are announcing job cuts and even cuts to the range of courses and subjects being offered.
Speaking to the Newham Recorder, Stephen said: “A recent report by London Economics for the University and College Union showed that coronavirus and ensuing recession will likely lead to 111,000 fewer UK and 121,000 fewer international first-year students attending UK universities this year, resulting in a £2.5bn funding black hole. This would be disastrous.
“Without Government intervention, an estimated 30,000 university jobs are at risk, with a further 32,000 jobs under threat throughout the wider economy.” He added that UK universities need to be valued as part of the frontline response to the pandemic since they supply students to the NHS and conduct research into the virus.
A Department for Education spokesperson said it has introduced a package of measures to stabilise the admissions system and ease pressure on universities’ finances.