News

The University of Otago has spent more than $5.5 million on staff redundancies over the past four years, but has still been ranked as the 13th best place to work in the country.

Figures released under the Official Information Act by the University show that 121.88 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staff were laid off between 2010 and 2013. Between 2011 and 2013 the number of FTE staff also declined overall, from 3759 to 3754. Critic spoke to Kevin Seales, the Human Resources Director for the University, who said that the redundancies would mean “better outcomes for students” because “change processes are often based on improving the quality of service,” although he noted that “there is sometimes disruption while changes are carried out.”

In an interview with the ODT, Mr Seales said that over the past four years there have been three main situations where restructuring has been necessary. “Firstly, when there has been a loss of research funding or a need to reduce costs; secondly, to meet changing business needs; and finally to accommodate the [College of Education] merger.”

Tertiary Education Union (TEU) University of Otago organiser Shaun Scott told the ODT that the redundancies would have had a “significant impact” on the University. He also pointed out that many of the staff made redundant would’ve been part time, so the 121.88 FTE staff probably equated to “150 or more” people. He also argued that the overall slight decline of FTE staff at the University was a cause for concern for not just the staff and the Union, but also for Dunedin as a city. According to him, these figures show that Dunedin can’t be as reliant on the University for job growth as it has been in the past. He also noted that the redundancies “can impact on morale” within the University.

However, a recent survey by global recruitment agency Randstad has ranked the University as the 13th best workplace in the country, coming second in the education category behind Massey University.

Mr Seales said that the University is “very pleased” with the rating. “At the University of Otago we strive to provide an environment where people can have fulfilling and successful careers”. He also noted that an area of focus for the University is supporting staff with families, referencing the fact that the University offers “generous paid parental leave conditions” and the development of a new childcare centre opposite Selwyn College on Castle Street, which is due to open this month.