Google Copyright: Google More than 12,000 people work at the university Image caption: More than 12,000 people work at the university

The University of Manchester's decision to cut 171 posts is due to "new government legislation and Brexit", a union has claimed.

The university says the move is necessary for it to be a world-leading institution.

But the University and College Union (UCU) said the university was in "a strong financial position".

Both academics and support staff jobs are at risk.

A university spokesman said cuts would be made in the biology, medicine, health, business and humanities departments.

Read more