Three leading UK professional language organisations have expressed concern over the University of Exeter’s plan to cut around 150 jobs, warning that the move could have serious consequences for humanities and modern language education.

The heads of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting, the Association of Translation Companies, and the Chartered Institute of Linguists argue that closing university language departments has far-reaching effects beyond higher education. According to the experts, it reduces the number of future language teachers, limits foreign language learning opportunities in schools, and contributes to a continued decline in the number of students choosing language degrees. They say the impact is particularly significant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those studying at regional universities.

According to The Guardian, the organisations also highlight the economic implications of declining language skills. Research indicates that the shortage of language skills costs the UK economy an estimated 3.5% of GDP each year, largely through lost export opportunities. In addition, around one-third of employers report difficulties recruiting staff with foreign language skills, while small and medium-sized enterprises employing multilingual staff are 30% more successful in export markets.

The three organisations have submitted their report, The Strategic Case for Languages in UK Higher Education, to university vice-chancellors, urging them to view language education as a long-term strategic investment rather than an area for budget reductions. They note that most universities have yet to respond to their recommendations.

Dr Darren Paffey, Member of Parliament and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Modern Languages, has also joined the debate. He warned that reducing access to language education threatens young people’s social mobility and employability. Paffey called on the government to strengthen support for foreign language learning in schools, increase financial incentives for students choosing languages at A-level, and provide targeted funding for university language programmes.

The organisations conclude that, unless current policies change, the United Kingdom risks losing an important part of its linguistic capacity and international competitiveness, with long-term consequences for education, the economy, and global cooperation.