An Oxford University professor claimed he was unfairly made redundant as part of a cost-cutting initiative, an employment tribunal heard.

Dr Anthony Murphy had been employed by Hertford College since June 2006 under a fixed-term contract for four years. He was laid off after he refused to accept a contract extension which meant he could have been sacked with just one day’s notice.

But he was told by employment judge Jessica Hill that he had little chance of succeeding with his claim for redundancy pay of £2,000 as he had refused to take the extended contract because he disagreed with the terms.

The eminent lecturer, who was a fellow in economics at Hertford College, told a tribunal in Reading on Friday: “It was clear that they wanted to lay me off.”

Judge Hill said: “The contract actually states that they could give you a day’s notice but pay you for the three months’ notice period.

“That’s a fairly standard practice.”

Sue Ashtiany, representing Hertford College, said: “Dr Murphy didn’t accept the contract and left.”

Dr Murphy, now living in Dallas, was told he needed to pay a deposit of £500 in order for a full hearing to take place.