======= Date Modified 14 Aug 2011 12:25:54 =======
Hi all,

I keep reading that the number of PhD's is on the rise (I get that) but that academic posts are on the decrease. I'm not so sure I understand why. I get the cuts in funding would explain many, but if many more people are going to university now and paying to do so, which seems to be the case, surely there is a greater need for academics than ever before?

Oops, I posted in the wrong section by mistake!

The decrease in academic posts may be due to Universities trying to cut their cost base. In the next few years, I believe there will be an even bigger loss in academic posts as the new tuition fee regime is going to frighten one hell of a lot of people from going to University. It's possible the decrease in academics even now might be related to this.

I admit I'm guessing here.

It's all about getting more and more out of fewer people. The academics who have posts have a much greater workload than was once the case. Also I think an increasing use of hourly paid / short contract staff to do teaching has had an impact as such people are cheaper and easily sacked as universities use multiple temporary contracts that prevent people building up employment rights. The management know they can treat people badly because of the numbers of underemployed / unemployed PhDs desperate to get a foot in the door. There are though lots more non-academic managers than there used to be.

Thanks Mac and Bewildered. I just couldn't figure it out but you've both raised good points I think.