Staff at Ulster University have been moved by the number of students who have reached out to express their shock, anger, and solidarity following last week’s announcement that the University is seeking to make up to 450 staff redundant.

Staff and students are the heart of our university and you cannot have one without the other.

Let’s be clear- staff and students did not create this mess, yet they are now going to bear the brunt. 
The loss of 450 staff members would cause serious and lasting damage to the quality of education and the student experience at Ulster University. Fewer staff means fewer course options, larger class sizes, and reduced support for students.

At the same time, many staff and students are questioning the University’s priorities. Significant resources have been directed towards branding, external events, and large-scale projects, while teaching, research, and student support face cuts.  Students have had the introduction of attendance monitoring systems which have created anxiety, and the outsourcing of key campus services such as food and housing.

In 2024, Ulster University was named “University of the Year” by The Times, a recognition built on the strength, commitment, and expertise of its staff. Against that backdrop, proposals to make hundreds of staff redundant raise serious questions about priorities and long-term sustainability.

Are UU management really putting students and education first?

Staff are already stretched, with many working evenings and weekends to meet the demands of the role. Further cuts risk pushing this beyond breaking point.

These redundancies would also have a wider impact on our communities. Job losses bring stress and uncertainty in an already challenging economic climate. Families face insecurity, and students are left questioning the stability of their education. Many staff are already on short-term and precarious contracts, making this situation even more concerning.

We are calling on Ulster University to reverse these proposed redundancies and to work with staff AND students to find alternative solutions that protect education.

Sign this petition to stand with staff, protect your education, and send a clear message that we will not accept cuts and watch our University been destroyed.