Lecturer's Union: Staff Restructure Threatens University Of Ulster

The University of Ulster's future is in danger due to staff changes, a lecturer's union has said.

The University and Colleges Union performed a U-turn on a planned restructuring, saying it was now concerned about plans it had previously supported.

The university plans to cut up to 200 jobs.

The university said it was considering how to respond.

In a letter to assembly members, the union - which has 800 members at the university across Northern Ireland - said there had been "little meaningful consultation" and it was "in the dark" about the university's financial situation.

It said cuts and changes were leaving staff "demoralised and demotivated" and it wants politicians to intervene.

The University of Ulster said: "Public support has been reduced by £10.5m per year following the decision of the NI Executive last year to reduce funding to the HE sector in Northern Ireland.

"As with other organisations in receipt of public funds - not just in higher education - budget cuts of this magnitude cannot be made without organisational restructuring and reductions in staff costs.

"The university has now completed restructuring in the majority of its faculties/departments. A small number of areas are nearing the completion of their respective restructuring exercises.

"Currently the university is recruiting in a number of key strategic areas in line with its corporate plan."

(NE)