OXFORD University will introduce a 12-month recruitment freeze and redeploy staff in a bid to protect its finances amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Announcing the cost saving measures, the university warned the lockdown had already led to significant losses of university income.

It will also pilot the Government's furlough scheme for staff in six university departments. The scheme could then be rolled out across the institution.

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Oxford University employs around 15,000 people and it is the largest employer in Oxfordshire.

As part of its measures, Oxford will also reach out to the Government and research funding bodies to seek funded extensions to research grants where work is currently disrupted.

Professor Anne Trefethen, Oxford's pro-vice-chancellor for people, said: "Our aim is to ensure Oxford emerges from this crisis as a stronger institution, and these measures will help reduce the financial impact of the lockdown."