THE number of jobs to be cut at Dundee University has dropped by half as part of a new plan, the institution has said.
Due to a £35 million deficit, the university had initially said it would need to shed 632 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, which would impact around 700 members of staff.
But under new proposals devised and released on Tuesday, “up to 300” FTE will now be lost through a voluntary redundancy scheme.
Previously, the university had been unable to rule out compulsory redundancies.
Under the new plan, the institution will also seek to borrow cash, as well as changing to a new operating model through the “re-configuration of our academic units and professional services”.
But on Tuesday, principal Professor Shane O’Neill said the new plan will need to be backed by “significant additional public funding”.
“A new alternative approach was presented to the university court this morning and they have given their endorsement to this as a revised direction of travel towards financial sustainability,” he said.
O’Neill said: “There are still several challenging steps to be taken in order to clear this pathway to progress.
“We also need to ensure that the steps we take do succeed in allowing us to access commercial lending, as that will be essential for long-term sustainability.
“The proposed route forward will require significant additional public funding. We are engaged in discussions, through the Scottish Funding Council, as we look to secure that support over the next two years, including any related conditions and assurances.
“Further liquidity support funding may also be required.
“We are now working to develop the full details of the proposed pathway and on plans for implementation. This will include details of a voluntary severance scheme.
“We will continue to engage with staff, students and union leaders as we consult on the details of this alternative way forward and begin to implement it.
“This is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the university and the ongoing delivery of excellent education, research and enterprise.”
The announcement comes as dozens of protesters gathered outside the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) annual congress in Dundee on the issue.
Campaigners marched from the university campus to outside Caird Hall in Dundee, where the STUC Congress is taking place until Wednesday.
The University and College Union (UCU) Dundee Branch welcomed the university "backtracking" on its original plans.
Branch co-president Melissa D’Ascenzio said: “It is a relief that University management has backed away from the brutal plans to cut up to 700 jobs.
“This backtracking is in no doubt down to the relentless pressure from UCU, from all the campus unions and the support they’ve received from the city of Dundee, local communities and from across the political spectrum.
“Given the news of this new plan, we’re urging the employer to take compulsory redundancies off the table, so as we can work with the employer towards a sustainable, successful university that values its staff and students, and continues to deliver the world-class teaching and research.”
