The Green Party NI has accused the Department for the Economy of failing Ulster University staff following the announcement that up to 450 jobs are currently at risk. The university stated it had attempted to protect these roles while waiting for a funding settlement that ultimately never materialised.

The party expressed concern for the staff and students impacted by the proposals, warning of the potential negative effects on local communities and the quality of learning. Recent spending by the university was also called into question, with the Green Party pointing to the hundreds of millions invested in the new Belfast campus and significant expenditure on overseas meetings with government officials.

Mal O'Hara, Green Party NI Leader, said: "Ulster University held on. It worked with the Department. It waited. And it has now been told, in plain terms, that a sustainable funding model is not coming. "That is a political choice, and political choices have consequences. Today, 450 workers and their families are living those consequences.

"Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald must come to the Assembly and explain what her plan is for higher education in Northern Ireland - not another review, not warm words, a plan.

"We will be watching the consultation process closely. Trade unions must be meaningfully involved, workers must have a genuine voice, and compulsory redundancies must not follow if voluntary uptake falls short."

The Green Party NI noted that while funds or loans from the Executive appeared available for "flashy projects," the same resources were not being found for wages and job security.

"When it comes to flashy projects, the university can find money or borrow it from the Executive. Yet when it comes to jobs and wages, the money cannot be found," the party stated.

The Green Party is now calling for full transparency throughout the consultation period and an emergency funding settlement to support the higher education sector.