Ulster University Plans Up to 450 Staff Redundancies to Cut Costs

Ulster University announced last month that it will offer voluntary redundancy to up to 450 staff members to reach savings of about £25 million. The announcement has prompted statements from local representatives about possible effects on the Coleraine campus and the wider north coast economy.

Sugden said she is acutely concerned about the impact of job losses on Coleraine. She noted investment occurring at the Magee and Belfast campuses but said the same level of investment is not visible at Coleraine. Sugden stated that the university is much needed on the north coast for jobs, students, and the local economy, including tourism supported by students during the off-season.

Norman Hagan from UCU said the announcement has caused significant ripples particularly on the Coleraine campus because it serves as an economic anchor for the wider north coast. Hagan referred to major investment at the Belfast campus and the expansion of Magee and said people are concerned Coleraine could become an easy target when making financial savings.

Chris Murray, vice president of the Ulster University Students' Union at Coleraine, said there is widespread concern on the campus. He said rumours and speculation stem from a lack of transparency. Murray added that the students' union is particularly concerned for PhD students who rely on supervisory teams, noting that losing one staff member can jeopardise a degree.

Steve Frazer, President of the Causeway Chamber of Commerce, said the Coleraine campus is hugely important as a key economic driver across the north west.

An Ulster University spokesperson said there is no aspect of the announcement that changes the commitment to Coleraine and the multi-campus model. The spokesperson stated that the university provided notionally and proportionally allocated figures for each site based on current staffing.

The spokesperson added that it is impossible to determine the number of staff who may apply from each campus until the scheme closes. The spokesperson said a sustainable funding model is not forthcoming and the university must now act to reduce its costs.