Robert Gordon University puts 135 roles at risk of redundancy amid financial challenges

Robert Gordon University has informed staff up to 135 roles could be made redundant in an effort to save millions of pounds.

The university says it is part of its Finance Transformation Project which aims to ensure long-term financial stability of the institution against "significant external challenges".

Voluntary redundancy has been offered to all staff at risk but highlighted it does not expect as many as 135 roles to be made redundant due to redeployment opportunities.

The Finance Transformation Project began in 2023 and aims to save £18.8 million, with half of that amount already being achieved.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Steve Olivier, said Robert Gordon University (RGU) finds itself in the same position as ‘many universities across the UK’ with significant financial challenges and a decline in international students.

Professor Olivier said: "Like many universities across the UK, Robert Gordon University (RGU) continues to face significant financial challenges due to a steep drop in international student enrolments, a sustained decline in public funding, and inflationary cost pressures.

"The proposed changes will future-proof RGU as an institution and ensure that we maintain our provision of an excellent student experience while delivering vital social, economic and cultural contributions to the North East and wider nation.

“It’s increasingly important that we continue to act and respond to the external factors to ensure our long-term financial sustainability and mitigate against ongoing sector uncertainty. I maintain utmost confidence in the University and our collective future success.”

A consultation on the changes will close on December 20 with further consultation due to take place in the New Year.

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