A recent OIA request revealed that 187 staff have left the University through its Voluntary Redundancy Scheme.
Beginning in October last year, the scheme was established to combat a shortfall in the University’s operating surplus due to COVID. Staff have applied to have their contract terminated, with the offer of an additional 12 weeks’ pay on top of redundancy entitlements.
The greatest number of voluntary leavers were from Medical and Health Sciences with 24, and Libraries & Learning Services with 21.
The entirety of the effect on education delivery is not clear. However, staff members from Arts, who lose 15 employees as voluntary leavers, have previously expressed concerns to Craccum that the University are looking to reduce staff to student ratios, on top of cutting discretionary spending.
Currently, the scheme is closed for applications. However, it is not known whether more voluntary terminations will occur.