Austerity measures to affect a quarter of UCR workforce

Some unrest could already be felt at University College Roosevelt (UCR) in December. Though formally part of Utrecht University, this university college is located in Middelburg. The number of students enrolling there has been declining. In September, 154 first-year students enrolled, while the usual number is between 180 and 200. 

Fewer students means less income. According to the regional newspaper PZC, this amounts to a difference of several hundred thousand euros. In addition, the UCR board expects to receive half a million euros less due to the government's budget cuts. With the loss of subsidies, this would amount to a total cut of 2 million euros from a budget of 12 million euros.

This week, the UCR board will meet with the representative body to discuss the budget cuts. The unions have already informed some of the staff that the measures will be significant. The board has sent a letter to all staff confirming that the plans will affect around 25 percent of the workforce. Currently, 85 people work at UCR. The exact details have not yet been announced. They will be announced next week, after consultation with the Worker's Council.

In the PZC article from December, a newspaper article suggested that the number of electives for students would be drastically reduced and group sizes could grow to 55 students. "As a university, we must remain financially strong and we acknowledge that changes are required", Marieke van de Laar told PZC.

In this week's letter, the board said it regretted that the unions had disseminated information in this way. The board would have preferred to explain the decisions itself. However, it can only do so after consulting the representative advisory body.