ONE of the country’s biggest trade unions is warning that short-term cuts in universities will mean long-term damage to the UK’s knowledge-based economy.

The warning comes as Unison members working in universities across the UK, met to discuss the future of the crisis hit sector, at the union’s annual higher education conference in Newcastle.

Dave Prentis, general secretary, said: “Harsh cuts in universities today, will mean long-term damage to the UK economy, limiting opportunities for tomorrow’s students. Why should university workers take pay and job cuts, when the bankers who caused this crisis are still making off with millions in bonuses?

“The government is right to protect education for children. But learning does not stop at the school gates. A vibrant higher education sector is the engine the UK’s knowledge-based economy needs to drive it out of recession and keep competitive.”