Ulster University says up to 450 jobs are at risk in cost-cutting plan
The Facts
- Ulster University has said up to 450 jobs could be cut.
- Staff were informed about the proposed job cuts on Wednesday by vice-chancellor Prof Paul Bartholomew.
- The university said it hopes to achieve the reductions through voluntary redundancies, though compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.
- Ulster University employs about 3,100 staff.
- The university has said redundancies have become unavoidable because of pressures in the higher-education funding model.
- Multiple reports said the university is seeking savings of about £25 million.
Context
How large is the planned reduction relative to the university’s workforce?
Ulster University employs about 3,100 staff, so cutting up to 450 jobs would amount to roughly 15% of its workforce BBC,Daily Mail,Irish News.
Has the university said which jobs or departments will be affected?
Reports say staff were told about the scale of the proposed cuts, but it was not yet clear which parts of the university would be affected BBC,Belfast Telegraph.
What financial pressures has the university cited?
The university said it needs to reduce costs because a sustainable funding model is not expected, and several reports said it is aiming for about £25 million in savings; one report also cited the university’s most recent accounts showing a £20.2 million operating deficit ITV Hub,Belfast Live,BBC.
The receipts — 29 sources
Wire services (5)
Independent coverage (24)
The news, read by both sides.
The day’s biggest stories in one short brief, built to show both sides and the competing values behind the headlines. Free in your inbox.