FEARS for more than 250 jobs could be cut at the financially stricken Dundee University after a further £20 million in cuts was voted through.
Bosses at the educational institute have been trying to plug a £30m deficit in its budget, with around 750 employees having already left the university since the financial crisis was first revealed in 2024.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the university court agreed to plans by the University Executive Group for further cost-saving measures, according to The Courier.
In attendance at the meeting was management, including principal Professor Nigel Seaton, interim principal, along with staff and student representatives, where they agreed to the plans to save £20m.
In an email to staff, chair of court Esther Robertson reportedly said: “As you are aware, at our meeting yesterday the court considered the strategy for recovery.
“After a lengthy and robust discussion, the court has approved the strategy, which will guide the university’s path to a financially sustainable position.
“It will now be submitted to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), in line with the conditions which apply to the additional financial support they have outlined for the University.
“If the SFC agree that the strategy is consistent with the conditions of funding, the next steps will include consultation with our trade unions regarding proposed workforce changes.
“This will be for the University Executive Group to take forward, once we are clear to do so following engagement with the SFC.”
Robertson added: “The court acknowledged the lingering uncertainty and anxiety for staff, which has gone on for too long through this crisis.
“You all deserve clarity on the path forward, even though it involves some difficult decisions, and I hope you will have that soon.”
It comes after staff at the university voted in favour of strike action in a new ballot on Tuesday.
In February, principal Seaton opened a second redundancy window in a bid to make around £10m in savings, resulting in a loss of around 180 full-time positions.
The university’s financial crisis has resulted in a raft of resignations from members of management, with the Scottish Government forced to step in and provide a £62m rescue package, which will be paid in instalments over three years.
The UCU has said that despite the widespread cuts and support from the Scottish Government, the university has failed to rule out compulsory redundancies, while also burdening staff with increased workload as they step into the place of staff who have left.
Announcing that staff will be balloted for industrial action, Melissa D’Ascenzio, Dundee UCU branch co-president, said: “Members will decide what industrial action takes place in the coming weeks and months to defend jobs, but we’re clear that the first step to finally resolving the dispute is for management to withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies.
“The emergency funding received from the Scottish Government and the number of staff who have left mean they could easily do so.”
Jo Grady, UCU general secretary, added: “The unprecedented number of staff who have left Dundee University is down to the failure and mistakes of the university’s management.
"Today’s ballot result sends yet another clear message that workers at the university demand a solution which doesn’t put the blame on staff and which protects jobs and the university’s future.”
In response to the proposed union action, a Dundee University spokesperson said: "We are aware of the outcome of the ballot and will wait to hear further details of potential action from DUCU.”
