The University of Dundee has announced proposals to reduce its workforce by a further 190 positions as it continues efforts to address a substantial financial shortfall. This latest round of proposed job cuts aims to generate approximately £20 million in annual savings, predominantly from staff costs, building on the 675 roles already eliminated through voluntary redundancies since the university disclosed its significant deficit in late 2024.
Staff at risk of redundancy are being informed, according to Professor Nigel Seaton, interim principal and vice-chancellor. He acknowledged the 'awful experience' staff have endured but stressed that these measures are critical to ensure the university's long-term financial viability. While acknowledging progress in curbing non-staff expenditure, Professor Seaton indicated that there is a limit to further cuts in this area, necessitating a greater focus on staff costs to achieve the required savings. He confirmed that a period of collective consultation with campus unions regarding future organisational structures and their implementation has now commenced, emphasising that these are proposals subject to change after consultation.
The University and College Union (UCU) has voiced strong opposition to the ongoing cuts. Carlo Morelli, a UCU representative at the university, expressed that staff were 'completely shocked' by the news, describing a brief announcement meeting where questions were not permitted. Morelli highlighted that some 'voluntary redundancy' schemes effectively amount to compulsory job losses, citing two previous rounds of voluntary severance that failed to meet the university's desired reduction targets, suggesting staff are reluctant to leave.
The impact of these ongoing reductions is deeply felt across the university community. Tánaiste Custance, president of the Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA), conveyed 'a level of disgust' with both university management and the Scottish Government, accusing them of allowing the crisis to persist. He observed increased pressure and high workloads for remaining staff, lamenting the prospect of nearly 1,000 job cuts over an 18-month period. Ian Ellis, Dundee UCU branch co-president, described the news as 'devastating', arguing that staff are bearing the brunt of 'management failings and a catalogue of managerial missteps'.
The Scottish Government provided £40 million in emergency funding last year to help stabilise the university's finances. However, despite this intervention and the previous significant job reductions, the institution states it still faces a challenging path to achieving financial sustainability. The ongoing consultations will determine the final structure and implementation of these latest proposed job cuts, with the university aiming to achieve reductions through voluntary means where possible.