THE University of Leicester is becoming an “international outcast,” with lectures, seminars and other events cancelled in an international boycott over plans to axe 145 staff.

The University and College Union (UCU) called for the boycott and is also urging prospective students not to apply to Leicester for places.

About 100 staff have left through voluntary redundancy and other reasons, but the UCU has said that many were pressured into leaving.

Students there have passed a motion of no confidence in university vice-chancellor Professor Nishan Canagarajah.

In Leicester Students’ Union’s vote, 1,010 students agreed they had no confidence in the vice-chancellor and executive board. Only 82 voted against the motion.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “A huge swathe of prestigious lectures, conferences and events have now been cancelled, postponed or moved elsewhere. 

“Staff are also refusing to mark or assess work as they fight to save jobs. 

“Given this situation, we feel obliged to tell prospective students they should not apply to study at Leicester whilst this dispute is ongoing.”

She said the university was advertising for lecturers on short-term contracts at the same time as it was sacking staff, and she accused Prof Canagarajah of “killing staff morale and chasing world-leading researchers out the door.”

“Unless Professor Canagarajah immediately withdraws the threat to jobs and comes to the negotiating table, the university senate and council need to assert their control so we can resolve the dispute in the interest of current and prospective students, as well as staff,” she said.

The university has been asked to comment.