True but academic output (research and students) is the production of a U. Of course you and I don’t control the means of that production but each additional layer of bureaucracy/#bullshit jobs means we (+ our existing colleagues) become precarious workers and hence zero hour contracts appear

The only income generation in University comes from research grants or teaching fees. These income sources are generated by academics. In this context I have absolutely no beef with administration, just with its unnecessary proliferation.

I have always done those things and continue to do them myself.

I have been at the same University for close to 30 years now. What I have noticed is the absolute number of staff that only exist because of academics' work has been biggest growth area. Many exist to "advise" me how to do my job.

Good Luck. BTW, nice to see another member of the UK chemistry community here.