Coronavirus: Losses of up to £150m next year for Edinburgh

University warns of ‘significant’ financial challenge lasting up to five years

A looming income cut of up to £150 million could see staff at the University of Edinburgh taking pay freezes as the vice-chancellor warns that staff costs “will need to be reduced” next year.

In an email to staff on 5 May, Peter Mathieson said Edinburgh faced “a significant drop in income” and stood to lose between £70m and £150m next year, including £10m or more from releasing students from their accommodation contracts following the Covid-19 outbreak, and £10m from catering and hospitality income.