WINCHESTER University employees are at risk of losing their jobs in a cost-cutting measure caused by coronavirus.

The uni has told the Chronicle that savings must be made in the staffing budget to mitigate the loss of income.

A spokesperson said: "Along with the rest of the higher education sector – and the UK economy more broadly – the university is having to respond to the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We are putting in place a range of measures to mitigate loss of income and secure the University’s long-term future.

"Alongside other cost savings, we are seeking to secure savings in our staffing budget and have put in place a voluntary severance scheme for staff. The university hopes to achieve the necessary savings by voluntary means.”

It is currently unclear how many jobs are at risk.

The University and College Union (UCU) has started a petition to stop the cuts.

On twitter, a spokesperson said: "We find it utterly unacceptable that almost 24 hours after being called to a meeting regarding redundancies, some staff are yet to receive a formal letter with selection criteria for compulsory severance."

The UCU will give the Chronicle further information on the situation within the next week.