First Minister John Swinney to face FMQs as Dundee University faces 600 job cuts

The First Minister will be faced with questions about the financial crisis facing universities at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

John Swinney will be grilled by opposition leaders at FMQs on Thursday after the University of Dundee revealed it was facing a “very severe” financial situation earlier this week.

The University announced on Tuesday that it plans to cut over 600 full-time jobs to address a £35m deficit.

Every school and directorate within the university will undergo a “significant” restructuring resulting in a loss of around 20% of its 3,000 strong workforce.

The Scottish leader has already said the Government, through the Scottish Funding Council, is working closely with the University to address the financial black hole.

On Thursday, he will be asked what other steps the Government is considering to support Scottish universities.

Swinney has already acknowledged the “significant economic implications” arising from the University of Dundee announcements this week, and he called the school a “precious institution”.

He said that Dundee was not the only university in Scotland – or indeed the UK – that is struggling with finances, but he was less clear about whether or not more support or funding would be forthcoming.

Swinney said it was important that the Government works closely with the Scottish Funding Council to support the financial sustainability of universities. However, he said from time to time “changes have got to be made in their operation”.