The University of East Anglia (UEA) is set to make compulsory redundancies after suffering a £13.9m loss. 

Details about the number of job losses and which departments will be affected have not been revealed.

In a statement, the university said that it is "currently experiencing significant cost challenges, driven by the effects of Covid, the tuition fee freeze, pressures on student numbers and rising costs for energy, pay and pensions".

It added: "The university has worked hard to safeguard roles by reducing non-pay related budgets, but this is no longer sustainable.

"Unfortunately, this means that it is unlikely all savings can be made without compulsory redundancies."

More than 3,700 staff work at the UEA and employee costs amount to around 60% of its total expenditure. 

Prof David Richardson, vice chancellor at the UEA, said: "As a university, I know we will work together to evolve and grow through these difficult times to ensure we have more securer financial foundations and a positive vision for our future success.”

The university's financial statement for 2021-22 found that it made a £13.9 loss that financial year, with student recruitment cited as "challenging" in a highly competitive market. 

Difficulties were in part due to a lack of on-campus open days as a result of Covid restrictions and the UEA losing out to higher-ranking universities in attracting students. 

There was also an impact from changes in the international recruitment markets and challenges of international travel during the pandemic.  

According to the financial statement, overall the university fell 8% short of entry targets, which resulted in a £6.4m loss. 

The university has said it will work closely with campus trade unions during the redundancy process. 

In July last year, there was a dispute between workers and bosses at the UEA over pay. 

Union members rejected a 3% pay rise that was offered, with union bosses arguing it was tantamount to a pay cut given the rate of inflation. 

The university stated that it is giving its lowest-paid employees a 9.9% pay rise from April 2023. 

In February and March, workers at the UEA are set to join thousands of staff at 61 other universities across the country in strike action lasting 18 days over pay and conditions.