We were recently informed by the University that they need to make some difficult financial changes. Due to the need to make a saving of £20 million, they are having to reduce their staff team by roughly 200 members. This will include staff within academic, professional and technical services. The University currently employs more than 3,700 staff members, so this is expected to impact around 5% of their staff team.

This has come about due to an especially challenging time for the higher education sector in the way of finances. Financial pressures have mounted as a result of things like a drop in international student demand (because of changes to immigration policy), ongoing recruitment challenges, stagnant home tuition fees in real terms and rising costs. The University has already reduced non-essential spending, but regrettably this is not enough.

We understand these changes have been communicated to all staff members and students. We wanted to reach out to make sure you understand what’s being rolled out, what your rights are as a Herts student and how we can help.

• Will this affect students?

• We have been assured by the University that these changes will not affect the delivery of your course or your ability to complete your studies. Their priority is your experience, your studies and your success. Teaching, learning and student support will continue to be at the heart of everything Herts does. As your Students’ Union, we would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the University's Student Protection Plan. The University is obliged to ensure that your experience is not affected by any changes.

• What support is there for students?

• If you have any questions, please reach out to our Advice & Support team. Being independent from the University, we can provide you with impartial advice. It’s completely free and confidential too, so you can turn to us if you need someone to help you understand what’s happening and what it means for students. You can request an appointment here.

• How can students give feedback?

• We have already been in talks with the University. Your new Elected Officers will continue to represent you throughout this process. The best way to make sure we are effectively representing your best interests is to share any feedback you have with us. If there's anything you would like to raise, please complete our feedback form.

This is an evolving situation that the University will work through over the summer. We are expecting to be updated as progress is made, so we’ll be sure to keep in touch with you along the way.