Ulster University Freezes Staff Promotions Amid Financial Challenges
Ulster University has announced a freeze on staff promotions due to significant financial challenges. The decision comes as the university faces pressure from an unsustainable funding model for higher education in Northern Ireland. The university employs approximately 2,700 staff across its campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine, and Londonderry. A spokesperson for the university cited the lack of an increase in tuition fees and the erosion of the block grant due to inflation as key factors contributing to the financial strain. Despite efforts to diversify income, these pressures have forced the university to make difficult financial decisions, including the suspension of academic promotions. The move has been met with criticism from the University and College Union, which has called for adequate funding to prevent redundancies and course closures. 
