07/09/2026
URGENT: Please see below Press Release from UCU Ulster University Branch
Belfast Trades Council stands with workers and trade union members as they react angrily to the devastating announcement confirming redundancies of 450 Full Time Equivalent posts by Ulster University across all three campuses. The dismissals will affect all workers in all job categories.
The university has also refused to rule out compulsory redundancies, which could have significant ramifications for student courses. The unions also have major concerns about the impact so many job losses will have on those who are left behind. As workers' anger grows momentum will build over the next few weeks and months to challenge this attack on workers, students course availability.
Paddy Mackel - President BDTUC
PRESS STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UCU Ulster University Branch expresses anger and deep concern following a video-message to all staff, launching a Voluntary Redundancy Scheme, in which the Vice Chancellor warned that compulsory redundancies remain a possibility.
Norman Hagan, Chair of UCU at Ulster University, said:
“We are angry and deeply concerned that, despite months of engagement, the University is keeping compulsory redundancies firmly on the table.”
“UCU Ulster has consistently argued that compulsory redundancies and course closures should be ruled out and that every possible alternative should be properly explored and exhausted before staff are put at risk of losing their livelihoods. We remain deeply disappointed that the University has not given staff that assurance.”
Concerns over workload and the future of services
UCU Ulster is also challenging the Vice Chancellor’s assertion that the loss of 450 staff will not lead to unmanageable and unsafe workloads.
Norman Hagan stated
“If hundreds of posts disappear, the University needs to be absolutely clear about what work will disappear with them. Many staff are already coping with unmanageable workloads even before these cuts. There is a very real danger that the language of ‘efficiency’, ‘simplification’, ‘agility’ and ‘doing things differently’ becomes a euphemism for staff having to take on unsustainable, unsafe workloads.”
“UCU is also worried about the impact on students who will inevitably face larger class sizes, reduced optionality and weakened services”.
Serious concerns about academic research
UCU Ulster is also deeply dismayed by the Vice Chancellor’s comments regarding academic research, particularly the stated intention to “bear down on unfunded research time” and to prioritise only that research which brings in large grant income.
UCU Ulster recognises the importance of protecting teaching and income. However, research is not an optional luxury that can be reduced whenever financial pressures arise.
It contributes to teaching quality, knowledge creation, innovation, professional practice, civic engagement and the wider economic and social contribution of the institution.
Norman Hagan stated:
“We are concerned about the direction of travel being outlined by the Vice Chancellor. A university that systematically reduces academic research time risks undermining the very research culture that enables it to attract funding, develop academic expertise, support doctoral researchers, produce high-quality publications and maintain its academic reputation.”
“Ulster University should be investing in its academic future, not treating research as an activity that can be progressively squeezed whenever financial pressures arise.”
UCU will continue to challenge compulsory redundancies and unsafe workloads
Norman Hagan said.
“UCU will continue to fight for jobs, for safe and sustainable workloads, and for a university that protects both teaching and research.
“We remain absolutely committed to finding a sustainable future for Ulster University, but that future cannot be built by simply reducing the number of people delivering its core mission and expecting those who remain to somehow make up the difference.”
