Dundee University has announced plans to cut around 700 jobs in an effort to address a £35m deficit. Interim principal and vice chancellor Prof Shane O’Neill clarified that the initial figure of 632 roles was based on full-time equivalent posts, indicating that the actual number of affected individuals would be higher. Efforts to address the financial gap may lead to compulsory redundancies, as disclosed in a letter to Holyrood’s education committee.
Incoming rector Maggie Chapman expressed her dismay at the situation, stating that the proposed job losses were “worse than expected.” With 3,259 full-time employees currently on the university’s payroll, including 271 unfilled positions, the potential cuts are anticipated to have a significant impact. Chapman highlighted the emotional toll these redundancies would have on both staff and students, labeling it a “shocking act of vandalism” that stems from years of poor decision-making and mismanagement.
In addition to the looming job cuts, Dundee University is also considering reducing modules in various departments to help manage staff workloads effectively. Courses across Business, Life Sciences, Humanities, Geography, Art and Design, Computing, Mathematics, and Physics could see a decrease in module options by up to 20%. The university has already spent a substantial amount on failed software implementation projects and repairing buildings, further exacerbating its financial woes. Labour MSP Michael Marra emphasized the need for a comprehensive bailout to mitigate the devastating impact on workers and the local economy.
The university attributed its financial struggles to multiple factors, including a decline in international student recruitment, increased National Insurance contributions, and poor financial management by staff. Prof O’Neill emphasized the need for a reevaluation of the university’s operations and structure in response to the crisis. An independent investigation into the financial situation has been initiated by the Scottish Funding Council, reflecting a broader trend of financial challenges faced by universities across the UK
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