Dundee University is considering furloughing a chunk of its workforce to protect its long-term future.
Board members are set to make a decision on whether to introduce the UK Government’s Job Retention Scheme next week as its finances are hit hard.
It comes after St Andrews University revealed it faces a £25 million black hole and called for “urgent and substantial aid” from the government.
Dundee University also hopes to secure additional help in the form of grants or loans.
In an email sent from interim principal David Maguire last week, staff were told they would be paid their fully salary if placed on Furlough.
He said: “To mitigate against the financial impacts caused by Covid-19, we have decided to place a temporary halt to staff recruitment where possible, and are reducing expenditure where we can.
“We are also seeking to take advantage of government coronavirus financial support packages including grants, loans and the Job Retention Scheme.
I want to alert you that we are actively considering implementing the Job Retention Scheme (sometimes referred to as Furlough) for some roles.
“Under this scheme staff would continue to be paid their full salary but would not need to work.
“Placing staff on Furlough Leave is a means of avoiding redundancies while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the University.
“As of this time, I must stress that no decision has been made yet whether to pursue this action, numbers of staff involved, or specific areas of the University that will be affected.”
A “small number” of staff at Abertay have been furloughed at full pay, while Perth College said it has “no plans” to do so.
