New study published by the university says it plays a significant role in driving economic growth, job creation, an increase in student numbers and ground-breaking research. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool city region’s economy benefits to the tune of more than £650m thanks to the work of the University of Liverpool, a new report claims.

The study, published by the university on Monday, says it plays a significant role in driving economic growth, job creation, an increase in student numbers and ground-breaking research.

Together with its students and their visitors, the University of Liverpool generated a £652m GVA contribution to the Liverpool city region in 2015-16.

This represents a 31% acceleration in economic growth at the university since 2011-12, compared to a 4% increase across the city region.

The report also shows that one in every 57 jobs in Merseyside, around 10,790 in total, was supported by the university, its students and their visitors in 2015-16.

This represents a 17% increase in university-related employment since 2011-12.

According to the report, the main driver behind these changes is the increasing demand to study at the University of Liverpool.

Over the last five years its teaching and Liverpool’s appeal as a place to study have attracted greater numbers of students from across both the country and the globe.

This has resulted in a 19% increase in student numbers over the last five years.

The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Beer said: “Our city has many special qualities and we are extremely proud to have been founded in 1881 by and for the citizens of our city.

“The economic and social impact report highlights the major contributions of the University of Liverpool to the success of the Liverpool city region, not least through a significant increase in our student population, a parallel growth in University staff and providing local jobs through a major programme of investment in our facilities.

“The report is also a clear statement of intent to continue to actively nurture and develop our partnership with the city region in years to come.”

The report also identifies the university’s important role in driving social mobility.

It ranks first in the Russell Group both as a recruiter of students from state schools and as a recruiter from communities where people are statistically less likely to go to university.