New analysis has revealed more than three quarters of surveyed UK
universities are ‘very’ or ‘extremely concerned’ about the
negative impact a no-deal Brexit will have on their institution,
but most feel they are prepared for such an eventuality after
taking widespread precautions.
The in-depth survey of its members by UUK has investigated the
sector’s preparedness, in respect of no-deal, ahead of the
proposed exit date from the European Union. A total of 75
universities from across the UK responded, and the results showed
that significant arrangements have been made to mitigate the
potential impact of a no-deal outcome.
However, concern remains high of the potential consequences no
agreement would have on areas including student and staff
recruitment and retention and access to research programmes and
funding.
The survey findings showed;
- 100%
of universities acknowledge being prepared for no-deal to some
extent – fully or very (52%) or slightly (48%)
- 93%
of universities have encouraged EU staff and students to secure
pre-settled and settled status
- More
than 80% of universities are either ‘very’ or ‘extremely’
concerned about the impact no-deal will have on their institution
- 61%
of universities believe either student recruitment (34%) or
access to research programmes and funding (27%) would be impacted
most by no-deal
- Some
universities have prepared, or considered preparing, stores of
essential supplies
Professor Julia Buckingham, President of Universities UK
and Vice-Chancellor of Brunel University London,
said: “While the news that universities feel
prepared for no-deal in some capacity is reassuring it is clear
that the implications of exit under these circumstances remain
largely unknown. It is in the government’s power to alleviate
many of these concerns.
“Despite working tirelessly to offset the potential implications
of no-deal, such an outcome could leave an indelible footprint on
the higher education landscape for years to come.”
Survey results found 90% of universities have communicated with
researchers involved in EU-funded projects to explain the
steps taken by government to underwrite EU funding, 90%
have established which Erasmus+ mobility programmes will be
covered by the European Commission and which by the UK government
guarantee and 95% have evaluated risks to key supplies and
contracts.
But universities are already feeling the potential effects of
no-deal. Survey results indicated that 50% of institutions have
experienced a change in demand from EU students,
more than 55% have experienced a change in the level of
collaboration with overseas partners and almost 60% have lost
existing or potential staff members to overseas institutions.
Since the June 2016 referendum vote, UUK has worked with its
members, UK Government and European partners on future planning
and ways in which the potentially damaging consequences of
Brexit, in particular no-deal, can be mitigated.
Ends
Notes
- A
total of 75 UK universities responded to the survey. Responding
universities detailed where they felt no-deal would have the most
significant impact, what pre-emptive actions had already been
undertaken, the impact a potential no-deal was already having,
what gaps remained in government advice to universities, and
whether universities have stockpiled or considered stockpiling
essential supplies.
- The
implications of Brexit – including questions and answers – for UK
universities can be found on Universities UK’s website.
A briefing
document has outlined the immediate actions government
must take to ensure the UK’s future participation in
prestigious research programmes and overseas student mobility
schemes, as well as questions over immigrations laws and future
fee and loan status of EU students post 2021.
