To ask the Minister for the Economy to detail (i) any engagement she has had with Ulster University regarding the potential for compulsory redundancies; (ii) any assurances sought regarding the protection of jobs; (ii) any assessment made of the potential impact on the University's multi-campus model; and (iii) any action her Department will take in response.

Ulster University has announced the commencement of a process inviting applications under a voluntary redundancy scheme. Ulster University is an autonomous institution and decisions relating to staffing are a matter for the University.

My Department continues to engage with the University and I would encourage the University to continue its constructive engagement with Trade Unions. I hope that any compulsory redundancies will be avoided.

It is still too early in the process to fully assess or quantify the impact on any individual campus or the University’s multi-campus model. I recognise the additional challenges and costs associated with the University's multi-campus delivery model and my Department has commissioned independent analysis to examine those costs. I am seeking additional funding as part of the budget negotiations.

I recognise that this will be an uncertain and worrying time for staff. I remain committed to securing a sustainable future for our higher education sector.