Durham University is set to cut hundreds of jobs to save £20 million, impacting both academic and non-academic staff in the coming years.
Durham: So, here’s the scoop. Durham University is planning to cut a bunch of jobs to save around £20 million. They’re looking at about 200 positions going, mainly in non-academic roles, this year.
They’ve kicked off a voluntary severance scheme for staff who want to leave, but they’re also saying they might have to make some compulsory cuts if needed. It’s a tough spot for everyone involved.
Like many universities, Durham is feeling the pinch from rising costs and a drop in income, especially after the government tightened rules on overseas students. They’re not alone; other universities in the area are also making cuts.
Last year, they hinted at needing to save money by cutting energy costs and delaying some building projects. They want to keep focusing on providing great education and support for students while figuring out how to keep the finances in check.
Prof. Karen O’Brien, the vice-chancellor, mentioned that while they’re a top university, they need a solid financial base to keep up their standards. She understands this news is tough for staff and is committed to working with unions to navigate these changes.
It’s a challenging time for everyone at the university, and they’re trying to handle it as transparently as possible. If you’re interested in staying updated, they’ve got a WhatsApp community for breaking news and offers.