Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Higher education institutes that make job cuts during the recession should make clear and transparent cases for their dismissals, according to one union.

The University and College Union (UCU) believes that many universities making people redundant are not consulting with union representatives properly.

A report by the UCU finds that 5,891 jobs are currently at risk or being cut across the UK, within both the higher and further education sectors.

London is cited as the worst hit region, although areas like Yorkshire are also said to be struggling during the economic downturn.

Sally Hunt, the UCU's general secretary, commented that the union's latest figures offer a worrying snapshot during the recession.

She said: "Universities and colleges need to understand that our members will not sit idly by while their jobs or those of colleagues are axed.

"All institutions that are considering slashing jobs need to make a clear, transparent case for the losses and start speaking to us immediately."

The UCU has welcomed government measures to create 10,000 extra student places at universities but believes more still needs to be done to support the higher education sector.