Northern Ireland

Redundant university staff due to receive compensation

Ulster University Magee campus in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Ulster University Magee campus in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Ulster University Magee campus in Derry. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

ULSTER University is to today pay out an estimated £1 million compensation to more than 140 former staff.

A tribunal last year found academics were "kept in the dark" about widespread redundancies by UU.

A total of 143 staff left on a voluntary severance scheme in April 2016.

The University and College Union (UCU) took a case claiming the university did not consult staff over job losses.

It found there was "a very serious failure to consult" and made a `protective award' of 90 days' pay.

The deadline for compensation payment was January 15, but this was missed. Interest of 8 per cent is due beyond this date.

UU said the awarding of compensation had been a complex task "and as a result of unexpected technical complications, regarding tax and other deductions, the payment process took longer than we had anticipated".

"Every effort was made to comply with the timeframes set out in the judgement. However, we acknowledge that the administrative process, and the provision of updates to staff and the union fell short of the standards that we have set ourselves," the university told its staff.

"We understand that concern and frustration has arisen from the delay and we have apologised directly to those involved.

"Huge efforts have been made by colleagues in Finance and HR to process these payments as quickly as possible. We fully expect to have completed this work by close of business on Monday 22nd January."