English universities should not expect government bailout, Phillipson says

Education secretary acknowledged crisis in sector with many institutions facing severe financial difficulties

Universities in England facing severe financial difficulties should not expect a government bailout, the education secretary has said, despite warnings from the sector of thousands of job losses, course closures and even bankruptcies.

With 40% of institutions projected to run budget deficits this year, Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the crisis. She said she was determined to develop a brighter future for universities" and put them on a sustainable footing in the long term".