Robert Gordon University (RGU) has announced up to 135 more jobs could be at risk of redundancy as it battles to save millions of pounds amid rising costs and plummeting numbers of international students.

Earlier this year, 130 staff left the prominent university through a voluntary redundancy scheme.

But now, in a statement, RGU confirmed all staff had been made aware of developments in its "Finance Transformation Project" as it fights to "future-proof" itself.

It said: "This includes a proposed business case, subject to collective consultation, that contains the potential of 135 roles being made redundant as part of further restructuring proposals across areas of the university.

"This is to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the institution against significant external challenges."

The statement went on to say all at-risk staff would be offered voluntary redundancy and that, due to redeployment opportunities, the university did not expect as many as 135 individuals to leave as a result of the process.

Professor Steve Olivier, principal and vice-chancellor, Robert Gordon University, said: “Like many universities across the UK, Robert Gordon University 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.”

RGU's Finance Transformation Project, which began in autumn 2023, aims to save around £18.8million and has so far achieved approximately half of that.

Each decision made throughout this process has included regular consultation with relevant stakeholders, including extensive and regular dialogue with all recognised trade union representatives.

The collective consultation is due to end on December 20 with individual consultation to commence into the New Year.

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