University Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur said:  "We are taking action now to protect our university from cuts in public expenditure and from a turbulent economy. 

"I believe that universities have a huge contribution to make in helping the UK out of the recession, but it is clear we will not be protected from the fallout from the downturn.

"We need to remain in control of our future and our finances."

The University remains committed to its strategic ambition of becoming a world top 50 university by 2015, the Vice-Chancellor added.   "We have made enormous progress in recent years through a strategic focus on academic excellence, high quality education and the integration of learning, teaching and research - and this remains our priority."

All faculties and services are being asked to identify savings in their areas.   Staff and campus unions are being informed and consulted.

The University's policy is to reduce staffing by voluntary means wherever possible and that remains the case.  The precise number of job reductions is not known, but it will be significant.  By taking action now, we hope to avoid the need for compulsory redundancies when the inevitable public expenditure cuts are made.

The University has around 8,000 staff and a turnover of £490m.  

Further information
Please contact the University of Leeds press office on 0113 343 4031