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In order to keep Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ financially healthy in the long term, the Executive Board has decided on a substantial package of measures for the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Corporate Offices (UBD). These cost-cutting measures in the supporting (administrative) services are intended to offset rising costs, drastic government cutbacks and declining student numbers. With these austerity plans, we unfortunately cannot escape a reorganisation at the UBD, which will result in the loss of 80 to 100 jobs. A careful consultation process with the Corporate Offices’ Employees' Consultative Body and the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Labour Representation Board, is part of the reorganisation.

‘We know how drastic a reorganisation is; everyone works hard for our university every day,’ says Anton Pijpers, President of the Executive Board. ‘We have therefore carefully considered alternatives over the past few months. But ultimately, the financial situation leaves us with no other choice. Given the current political developments in the Netherlands, we expect that financial measures at the ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Corporate Offices will continue to be necessary. This is a difficult decision for us; it is not a step we take lightly. However, it is a necessary step to ensure that our university remains future-proof, with high-quality education, strong research and a healthy organisation.’

The reorganisation means that eighty to a hundred full-time jobs are expected to be lost at the  Corporate Offices. As many colleagues work part-time, a larger number of people are involved. Some of this will be absorbed by natural staff turnover (staff leaving due to retirement or mobility). However, the number of jobs involved is considerable. Unfortunately, we therefore cannot rule out compulsory redundancies. The measures also have an impact on work. Services will be scaled down and tasks may change. In the coming years, this also means that employees will, for instance, work at a different department or that their work will change. This requires a high degree of flexibility from everyone.

Measures for future-proof ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Corporate Offices

In the past period, concrete opportunities have been sought to save money, work more efficiently and increase income. The services provided by the Corporate Offices have been critically reviewed: what can be simplified, reduced or changed, and where do departments or faculties overlap? What was also examined is which services or projects could be discontinued, where revenues could be increased and where investments are actually needed to make savings over time.

‘We understand that this causes uncertainty and raises questions among UBD employees and colleagues elsewhere in the university,’ says Anton Pijpers. ‘We realise that this is upsetting news. In this process, we will constantly keep the interest of our employees in mind. In the coming period, we will work towards more clarity, so that all colleagues know as soon as possible where they stand and what the follow-up process is.’