Cuts to staffing ‘inevitable’ as university faces £30m deficit, principal warns

The University of Dundee has warned cuts to staffing levels are “inevitable” as a result of a projected deficit of up to £30 million.

In an email to staff, principal and vice-chancellor Professor Iain Gillespie said it is planning for a “significant deficit” in this financial year.

He said a “significant drop” in recruitment of international students is partly to blame for the deficit, along with other factors.

He said cost-cutting measures now in place include a recruitment freeze and reducing operational expenditure.

Prof Gillespie told staff: “However, even with these measures we could still be looking at a deficit for this financial year in the range of £25 million to £30 million.

“We must take further action now to address our financial stability and long-term future.

“Given the profile of our costs, it is inevitable this will mean a reduction in our staffing levels.

“This will be a very difficult period, certainly for this financial year and next.”

He said he will keep staff updated during what he termed as an “unprecedented set of challenges” for the university.