Glasgow Caledonian University to cut 100 jobs as part of £10m saving plan

Glasgow Caledonian University is to cut around 100 jobs as part of £10m savings the institution is looking to make over the next year.

The university said it comes after a £33m loss of income over two years, which they have described as “not sustainable”.

It follows a sharp drop in international student recruitment, which Glasgow Caledonian University said it predicted would create a financial deficit of over £10m in the next year.

A voluntary redundancy scheme has been launched until April 15 for staff working in areas directly affected by the drop in international student numbers.

A spokesperson for the university said: “Like many other universities across the sector, GCU has experienced a significant drop in international student recruitment.

“Over a two-year period, we have seen a £33m loss of income, which is not sustainable, and face a predicted financial deficit of over £10m in the next financial year. We therefore urgently need to reduce costs to ensure the financial sustainability of the University so we can continue to deliver the high-quality learning experience our students expect and deserve.

“To address this substantial drop in income, the University has launched a Targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme for staff working in areas directly affected by the drop in our international student numbers and sustained by international income.

“We really appreciate this may be an unsettling period for all our staff and students, and really concerning for those directly affected, but we have to take this targeted action now – to move the University back into a sustainable financial position and ensure we are the right size and shape for the future.

“The scheme will run until the 15 April and look to identify upwards of 100 posts.

“An open consultation period with staff and our trade union colleagues will run throughout this period so we can work together to explore how we can best deliver the changes needed while maintaining a high-quality experience for our students and sustaining our impactful research.

“By taking this targeted approach, the University is actively seeking to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies.”

The University and College Union (UCU) has been contacted for comment.