THE University for the Creative Arts in Farnham has announced plans to save £5 million.

And £3.5m of that will be through staff cuts.

This, say campaigners, is the equivalent of between 120 and 140 staff members losing their jobs.

In a bid to stave off some of the cutbacks, students have launched a #SaveUCAstaff campaign and a petition aimed at the university’s leadership team.

When the Herald went to print, the petition had gained around 1,430 signatures. The aim to was to reach 2,000.

Staff have reportedly been given until April 29 to give their feedback.

But campaigners are angry as the deadline falls within the Easter break, when many staff and students are not on the campus.

The proposed cuts are set to come into effect during the summer and ahead of the new academic year.

And on top of cuts, students say the university also plans to make savings by not increasing staff salaries in line with the national cost of living increase, not allowing additional hours or overtime, and freezing recruitment.

Angry students say they will not accept the cuts without a fight.

The university says the savings are required because of the challenging conditions and increased operating costs.

For full story and reaction, see this week’s Farnham Herald.