EMPLOYEES at a student union could soon lose their jobs as a result of “financial challenges” putting some roles at risk of redundancy.

The Students’ Union at the University of Essex, which has a campus in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, has “entered a period of consultation” over a handful of positions.

Currently, the union employs 100 staff members, but bosses have now confirmed seven posts could be made obsolete, while four new roles could be created.

The union, described as being “run by students, for students”, is considered one of the best in the country.

A spokesman for the University of Essex’s Students’ Union said the changes were due to money struggles.

When asked by the Gazette which roles were at risk and how many workers could potentially lose their jobs, he would not specify.

“We have 100 staff working for the Students’ Union and we have entered a period of consultation regarding seven posts,” he said.

“[These roles] have been placed at risk of redundancy, while we are proposing to create four new posts.

“The restructuring is in response to the financial challenges facing many organisations of our size. 

“We are in a consultation period so we will not be sharing details of specific roles.”

The news comes just one month after the University of Essex, which operates separately from the union, announced plans to invest £100,000 to create jobs for students