University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is going to great lengths to mitigate their fiscal catastrophe. Cutting 75 full-time positions, which amounts to 18% of their total workforce, will save £6.2 million. With around 2,000 staff members and sites in Paisley, Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton, and London, the university’s management is responding to a significant deficit that reached £14.4 million for the 2023/24 financial year.
The governing body of UWS has approved an £8.4 million deficit for the current fiscal period, prompting the urgent decision to reduce staffing levels. The plan seeks to put the university’s finances on a more stable footing and back into a surplus by the 2026/27 academic year. This follows UWS management’s agreement to a consultation process on the proposed job cuts. This process requires at least 45 working days to complete.
The university’s plan would eliminate 600 full-time positions. It would eliminate some part-time jobs, potentially resulting in a greater number of jobs lost in aggregate. It’s still unclear what kinds of jobs will be most impacted at this stage.
The announcement has elicited fiery outcry from agency employees. Catherine Clarke, deputy branch secretary for the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), expressed her fears. She is concerned about what has been said and how it’s been framed.
“Staff are upset and very angry about the way they’ve been informed and the way it’s been handled.” – Catherine Clarke, EIS deputy branch secretary
In light of the announced cuts, unions plan to engage in discussions with UWS management over the coming days to seek clarification and address staff concerns. According to a spokesperson for UWS, the restructuring is a necessary first step. This can work to boost financial sustainability and enrich the student experience.
“Our organisational change project is designed to put our university finances on a more sustainable footing, to enable an even better student experience and enhanced graduate outcomes.” – UWS spokesperson
This situation marks a significant moment for UWS as it navigates financial difficulties while aiming to maintain quality education and support for students. The university community understandably remains anxious to hear more about how the cuts will affect the university’s long-term outlook.
