Image: Evelyn Simak [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Troubled institution needs to make savings of £30 million in next financial year
The University of East Anglia is looking to shed 113 staff as part of cost-cutting measures to plug a financial black hole in the next academic year.
UEA confirmed on 5 June that voluntary redundancy and redeployment schemes have been put in place as part of a bid to save £30 million in 2023-24.
Although the university said compulsory redundancies “still remain the last resort”, it wants to cut 77 staff in professional services and 36 academic staff to reach the savings target.
Professional services staff “have now been briefed on the cost-saving proposals for their areas”, the university said, while academic staff will be given more information on the plans from 19 June.
The institution saw former vice-chancellor David Richardson resign in February citing a need for “new leadership”, after the institution posted a deficit of about £13.9m in 2022—having had a surplus of more than £4.6m in 2021. Former University of Greenwich vice-chancellor David Maguire took over the role last month.
UEA’s £30m deficit for 2023-24 is expected to grow to £45m in three years’ time, according to the university’s forecasts.
Deputy vice-chancellor Christine Bovis-Cnossen said: “This is a difficult time for our staff. We are working hard to support those affected and we continue to provide regular information to all staff and students.”