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Jobs cuts are being sought within the history division at the University of Northampton. Three full-time posts are to be cut, out of a total of 11 in the division, in a move described as "ruthless" by the branch secretary of the University and College Union. Ron Mendel said he had been told that the School of Social Sciences was not performing to expected levels financially and that jobs would have to go as a result. A 30-day consultation process is now under way. The UCU branch has passed a motion asking for time to develop a business plan with the school's executive team to strengthen the history department's contribution to the strategic agenda. In a statement, the university said it hoped to have resolved the matter by the end of May. "The university has an excellent academic and teaching track record in history. However, long-term economic and other market conditions are such that the division's activities are having to be reviewed accordingly," it said.