Politicians’ concern over UU redundancy announcement with DUP MLA laying blame at feet of Sinn Fein Economy Minister

Reports of 450 redundancies began to emerge on Wednesday, April 15. It is reported that staff were informed of the proposed voluntary scheme by Vice Chancellor Paul Bartholomew during an online meeting.

Later that day, an Ulster University spokesperson said: “Redundancies across the Higher Education Sector have become unavoidable. To date, more than 100 institutions across the UK have downsized their staffing complement.

"Ulster University has sought to hold off on making redundancies while continuing to work with the Department for the Economy, through their reviews, on possible changes to the HE funding model in Northern Ireland.

"It has recently been made clear to us that a sustainable funding model is not going to be forthcoming, and regretfully we must now act to reduce our costs.”

Ulster University has around 3,100 staff and it has not yet been made clear which campuses will be affected.

East Londonderry DUP MLA Maurice Bradley said he had previously received assurances “during numerous face to face meetings with the Chancellor alongside colleagues Gregory Campbell MP, Alan Robinson MLA, and Councillor Aaron Callan during which we were guaranteed the future of the Coleraine Campus was secure. Now we see this announcement.

"This is a direct result of earmarking finances for Magee and Magee only by the Sinn Fein Economy Minister Archibald.

"I await further details, but while the numbers are stark, no official brief has been announced if this is specific to one, two or all three Ulster University Campuses. MP Gregory Campbell has written to Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor, seeking an urgent meeting.”

Independent East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden called the news “deeply worrying”, particularly for staff and students based at the Coleraine campus which is in her constituency.

“The university is a major employer in the area and plays an important role in supporting the local economy, so any proposal to reduce staffing will have a wider impact beyond the institution itself,” she said.

“There have already been concerns about the long-term future of the Coleraine campus, and announcements like this will only add to that uncertainty.

“I recognise that universities across the UK are facing significant financial pressures, but that does not take away from the impact this has locally. For many families, this is about livelihoods, stability and their future, and that cannot be underestimated.

“This situation did not happen overnight. There has been a lack of clarity around funding for some time, and we are now seeing the consequences. The immediate focus must be on protecting jobs and ensuring that the Coleraine campus is not eroded."

SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said her thoughts were with “all those affected and the many families who will be facing real uncertainty”.

"This has the potential to be a serious blow to the North Coast. These are good, secure jobs that our local economy depends on, and their loss will be felt right across our community.

"I have requested an urgent meeting with Ulster University and submitted a priority question to the Economy Minister to establish exactly where these cuts will fall.”