Dundee University to shed 154 posts as voluntary redundancy scheme opens

Dundee University has confirmed it will cut 154 full-time equivalent roles, down from the 187 proposed in June, following a ten-week staff consultation. A voluntary redundancy scheme opened on Wednesday.

The university has not ruled out compulsory dismissals if insufficient numbers come forward.

The revised total was set out in an email to all staff from Dawnne Mahmoud, the university's chief people officer. Staff who had previously been told their jobs were at risk were invited to meetings with their faculty vice principal or director on Tuesday.

There, they learned whether their role remained under threat, had been removed from risk, or had been matched to an alternative post.

Scale of job losses since 2024

The latest round of cuts follows substantial reductions already made. According to The Courier, 675 members of staff have left since August 2024, with the total headcount falling by around 820 from its peak the previous summer.

The 154 additional reductions would bring the cumulative fall in staffing to just under 1,000. That is a striking number.

The BBC reported that the university first disclosed a potential deficit of £30m in November 2024, describing job losses as inevitable.

The Scottish Government subsequently provided £22m in emergency funding before committing a further £40m over three financial years to help stabilise the institution.

Restructure creates 38 new posts

As part of its reorganisation, the university has created 38 new roles. These will be advertised to staff at risk of redundancy, who will be notified of the available positions on Thursday.

The university court, which serves as the governing body, is due to consider the voluntary redundancy programme at its meeting on 8 September, when it will also be asked to approve any compulsory cuts if the voluntary process falls short.

Mahmoud told staff the university remained hopeful that all reductions could be achieved through volunteers. Not everyone is convinced.

She acknowledged the news would be deeply difficult for many colleagues after a lengthy period of uncertainty, and said the institution would continue to provide regular updates throughout the process.

Botanic Garden and services updates

The BBC also reported that the university's Botanic Garden will receive funding until the end of July next year while the local community and stakeholders are given time to develop alternative proposals for its future.

The university confirmed there will be no reduction to its counselling services or disability service advisor resources. Its mathematics undergraduate programme will continue for two more academic years while a revised curriculum is developed.

Strike action planned from September

Staff unrest continues alongside the redundancy process. Members of the University and College Union at Dundee will strike every weekday from 21 September to 23 October, covering the first five weeks of the new academic year.

STV News reported that members have already carried out 28 days of strike action over the past year. The walkouts are not stopping.

Education secretary Mairi McAllan said last month that further evidence was needed to show the university was engaging constructively with staff and trade unions.