STAFF at the university of Reading are fearing for their jobs in controversial proposals that could see its chief come under fire.

The Chronicle understands a number of administrative jobs are under threat and staff are considering passing a vote of no confidence against Vice Chancellor Sir David Bell.

It follows a meeting last night when the university was unable to confirm how many jobs would go.

The meeting between the University and College Union [UCU] and Professional and Administrative Consultation Group [CG] discussed the proposals.

Members of UCU asked how many administrative jobs would be cut, but the CG could not provide an answer.

The minutes of the meeting read: "UCU asked if the university was yet in a position to give a definitive figure on the reduction of professional and administrative posts.

"HR agreed that it would be able to provide a clearer indication of numbers very shortly.

"UCU asked why it was necessary to put 1,500 staff through two years of uncertainty."

The report states members were told once the number were finalised another 45 day consultation period would be launched.

Speaking about the possibility of a vote of no confidence, a member of University and College Union, a union for lecturers, who asked not to be named, said: "That is an idea that has been generated but the campaign has really only just started and we would need to see the results.

"It is not something that the UCU committee are doing, it would need to be a grass route campaign.

"It is because of the administrative cuts.

"It has to come from colleagues."

James Hart, communications and engagement officer for RUSU, said discussions between staff are ongoing but the students union will not take part.

Mr Hart said: "I am not sure if it is going to happen. There are discussions about it.

"It is about the review the university is doing with the administrative staff.

"There is definitely a potential for that [a vote of no confidence] to happen."

A spokesman for the university said: “This has been a carefully phased programme. We have been upfront, transparent and open with UCU throughout this two-year review process. We have had many months of detailed consultation with our independent Staff Forum and UCU. We have listened carefully to our staff and our doors are always open to discuss our plans.

“We make no apologies for taking tough choices to increase investment in frontline teaching, learning and research. We’ve put significant funding upfront in last three years to compete more strongly in a very competitive sector.

"We are now moving our finances into steady state by making £15m a year savings and generating a £10m, a year surplus to reinvest in academic work.

“No change is easy. We’ve always been crystal clear that we have a lower overall headcount. We are keeping compulsory redundancies to an absolute minimum – instead we are offering a strong voluntary severance package, regrading roles and offering more flexible working.

"In the long-run lecturers and researchers will have more efficient, professional and effective support services so they can focus on their work. It’s value for money and common sense to constantly improve how we operate.”

The spokesman said it is down to the staff and the union to decide whether a vote of no confidence will happen, but added: "If there is one then that is something the university will look at.

"They want to send a signal to management."

Sir David took the helm of the university in 2012, having previously held posts as the most senior civil servant for the department of education.

He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath [KCB] in the 2011 Birthday Honours.

He studied history, philosophy and also has a master of education degree.

According to the university's website, Mr Bell's salary in 2014/2015 was set at £255,000.