Major update as Scottish university gets set to axe 300 full-time jobs

Scottish Sun

15 hours ago

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A TOP university has revealed a major update in its plan to axe 300 full-time jobs.
Dundee University has now opened a voluntary redundancy scheme after coming up with an "alternative pathway" to solving the financial crisis at the institution.
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Around 300 roles will now be cut at the uni through a voluntary programme
Credit: Alamy
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Students and staff taking part in a rally and march in Dundee after the job cuts announcement
Credit: PA
In March, we told how the uni estimated that 700 staff would be affected by a devastating job cull required to balance its books.
But under new proposals last month, around 300 roles will now be cut through a voluntary programme.
The scheme was put together after talks with campus trade unions and approved by the university court.
Voluntary redundancy was opened today and will run until July 25, The Courier reports.
Staff who accept the deal will leave their jobs by September 30.
A spokesperson added: "This is an important step in the recovery plan for the university, as we look to reduce staffing by 300 fulltime-equivalent through the voluntary scheme."
The cuts were first revealed by interim principal Professor Shane O'Neill during a meeting, where he cited "the current financial crisis" as the reason behind the decision.
Professor O'Neill had previously warned MSPs that the university could run out of cash by June without lifeline support.
The Scottish Funding Council has since approved a £22 million emergency support package, and an investigation into the crisis has been launched.
The uni has also lodged a full funding request for £100million bail-out.
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Labour MSP Michael Marra previously described the job losses as "devastating" for university staff and the Dundee economy.
The job losses come amid an ongoing debate over university funding in Scotland.
Critics argue that the Scottish Government's "free" tuition model is putting severe pressure on university finances, leading to limits on the number of Scottish students accepted onto courses since international students pay higher fees.
Dundee is not the only university in Scotland to plan to cut jobs this year.
Around 350 employees of the University of Edinburgh have accepted voluntary severance as part of ongoing efforts to reduce costs.
And the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) plans to axe 75 jobs.