Edinburgh University has announced plans to reduce its workforce due to ongoing financial pressures, becoming the latest UK higher education institution to take such measures.
The university confirmed it would launch a voluntary redundancy scheme, with compulsory redundancies considered “if unavoidable.”
Sir Peter Mathieson, the Principal of the university, explained that the institution is facing several financial challenges, including difficulties in attracting international students—an important source of revenue—as well as rising staff costs and insufficient funding for both Scottish and UK students.
Addressing staff, Sir Peter stated that the university must take “a series of actions” to tackle these financial strains, especially in light of the upcoming increase in employers’ national insurance contributions.
In a statement, Sir Peter explained: “The university costs £120m each month to run.
“In the context of the recent sector challenges around international student recruitment, increasing staff costs since the pandemic, and the unsustainable levels of funding for Scottish and other UK students, our outgoings are consistently higher than our income.
Earlier this month, Dundee University also warned of staffing cuts, forecasting a potential deficit of up to £30m.
Edinburgh University’s move comes as part of a broader trend in UK higher education, where institutions are grappling with financial instability.
Sir Peter continued: “In response to this situation and recent developments with regards to national insurance, we have concluded that we need to take a series of actions, which will include selective voluntary and, if unavoidable, compulsory redundancies.
He reassured staff that the Edinburgh university would offer a range of online and in-person meetings to explain the process and provide support, emphasising that the university would continue to collaborate with unions and management to assist colleagues through the changes.
Acknowledging the impact this news would have on staff, Sir Peter concluded: ” “I don’t underestimate how unsettling this news will be, however, it is important that I am honest about the scale of the challenge we have and transparent about the actions we need to take to address it.”
