'Towns and cities will fail if universities do': Warning over economic fallout of Covid-19 on education

It follows a study released by the University and College Union (UCU), which claims nearly 17,000 people in Leeds are either directly or indirectly employed via one of the city’s four universities, and that this adds more than £1 billion to the local economy.

It is still unclear how some educational institutions will operate next year, although two Leeds universities have claimed they will provide “blended learning” for the coming year, which would involve at least some learning time on campus for students.

The study, conducted by Hatch Regeneris, claims universities typically support up to one additional job in the local economy for every person they directly employ.

A statement by UCU added: “The positive effects of universities on local employment are compounded where cities host more than one institution. The review modelled universities in 25 cities and looked at the number of jobs they support and how they bolster local economies.

“Universities bring relatively high wages to these areas as well as associated skilled jobs across a range of occupations including construction, engineering and entertainment.”

The review looked at goods and services produced locally through universities’ supply chains and the money spent by employees and students.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Allowing universities to fail because of the health crisis will mean the economies of many of our towns and cities will also fail.

“Universities are vital in providing educational opportunities, but they also have a huge impact in creating local jobs, supporting local businesses, and attracting business to the area.

“It is now vital that instead of talking our universities down the government protects them.”

Professor Margaret House OBE, Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said the university was in a “relatively secure” financial position for the forthcoming year.

She added: “We did not have to furlough any of our workforce, and staff have responded with dedication, commitment and innovation to minimise the impact on students’ learning and assessment. We are proud of how our community has adapted to the pandemic and the challenges of remote working and studying.

“As we prepare for the 2020/21 Academic Year, we are being flexible in our approach to teaching and learning delivery.

“We want to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to successfully complete their studies and have the best possible student experience within the government guidelines, whilst prioritising the health and safety of every member of the university community.

“With this in mind, the University has adopted a blended learning approach, offering all students at least some time on campus for small group teaching from September, as well as online delivery.”

Tracey Lancaster, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, said: “Leeds Beckett University plays a vital role in the regional economy and has helped to establish, and now leads, a group of large local organisations forming the Leeds Anchors Network.

“LBU is providing reassurance that students can expect the same high-quality education, a rewarding experience and long-term employment opportunities despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Courses will start on time as per any normal year, we are delivering an unchanged curriculum and are determined that as many students as possible will access on-campus contact with tutors in each term.

“Students will receive a ‘blended’ approach to learning, with a mix of face-to-face on campus and remote teaching. We will also be opening our sports facilities to make sure that there are leisure activities available to students.

“The university has been working hard in the region in its response to Covid, from 76 final year student nurses joining the front-line early to reopening our Rose Bowl and Portland buildings in the City Campus for the NHS to use as teaching spaces, catering facilities and meeting rooms.”