Two-thirds of university and college educators are likely to leave the education sector within the next five years, survey reveals

April 2022

Two-thirds of university and college educators are likely to leave the education sector within the next five years: A recent survey of university lecturers and college teachers has uncovered that 66% of academics are either 'likely' or 'very likely' to leave the sector in favour of a better pension, higher pay and better working conditions.

The study by the University and College Union (UCU) polled almost 7,000 university staff at over 100 institutions, which helped inform its final report titled: 'UK Higher Education – a Workforce in Crisis'. The survey highlighted that for many respondents, work overload was having a negative impact on their mental health; with some reporting suicidal thoughts.

Almost three-quarters of respondents who are researchers said they would consider leaving higher education in the next five years in pursuit of better pay and working conditions; rising to four in five postgraduate students.

Four out of five 18–29 year-olds said they would be 'likely' or 'very likely' to leave the sector in the next few years, found the study (81%).

Feelings for the future

Respondents were asked about how positive they felt about the future of higher education in the UK, with 88% saying they are 'not optimistic' or 'not at all optimistic'. In addition, 57% of those surveyed said they were either 'unhappy' or 'very unhappy' about spending their career in the higher education system.

When asked to provide more detail about why they would consider leaving higher education, 78% said their employer’s failure to provide information around terms and conditions as a key factor. Furthermore, more employees who were paid hourly (57%) said they were more likely to leave the sector, compared to those on permanent contracts.

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: "Staff are sounding the alarm about a crisis of morale and faith in UK universities that threatens the future of the entire sector. A decade of decline in working conditions, pay and pensions has left staff feeling totally demoralised and preparing to leave the sector in their thousands."