Coventry University staff seek urgent answers following auditors' warning on institution's future

The report, which was published more than four months late, includes a statement from the auditors noting that 'a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Group and the University's ability to continue as a going concern' should it fail to meet student recruitment targets and cost-saving objectives.

This revelation comes as the university has already placed 340 staff at risk of redundancy, raising serious questions about the financial health of the wider Coventry University Group and the potential long-term impact on jobs, students, and the local community.

UCU is seeking urgent clarification from senior management on the full implications of the report and the steps being taken to secure the institution's future. The union will meet with university leaders on Monday (14 April) to demand greater transparency and assurances for staff.

Commenting on the situation, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'This report will cause deep alarm for staff, students, and the wider community. It is simply unacceptable that hundreds of staff are facing redundancy while serious concerns are being raised about the long-term viability of the institution. Coventry University must come clean about the scale of the challenges it faces and engage meaningfully with staff and unions to chart a sustainable way forward. We will not allow our members to be treated as collateral for years of questionable financial decisions'.

UCU has consistently raised concerns over governance and financial management at the university and is now demanding full disclosure and accountability from the institution's leadership.