Short-sighted shrift

The proposals to cut courses and jobs at Keele University are short sighted and will have a disproportionate effect on students from non-traditional backgrounds. ("Restructuring round-up", 21 February). The courses in industrial relations are unique and offer distance and part-time learning and access to masters degrees, widening participation at a very high level of academic achievement.

We appreciate that demand inevitably changes but this is an attack on social science inquiry. Once a subject is closed it may be difficult to open again, even if the market shifts. Industrial relations is a distinctive area of study at Keele.

We urge the university not to withdraw this opportunity from future students.

Kevin Brandstatter, Christine Childs and others
Keele Centre for Industrial Relations Alumni Association