Ulster University plans to make around 450 staff redundant. The institution enrols more than 30,000 students and employs 3,100 staff at campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown, Coleraine and Londonderry.

A university spokesperson said on Wednesday that such job cuts have become necessary across higher education due to the existing funding arrangements.

Stormont Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated her thoughts are with the affected staff and families. She noted that British universities face comparable difficulties even with higher tuition charges.

Archibald attributed the job losses to inadequate funding from the British Government for Northern Ireland institutions to provide services. She called the cuts a direct outcome of underfunding for the Stormont Executive.

The minister rejected higher fees as a fix, arguing they place undue strain on students. She pointed to problems with loans, repayments and interest in Britain as evidence of longer-term effects.

Archibald said public services need proper funding. She committed to raising the matter with the British Government together with Executive colleagues to shift the funding load appropriately.

Unite trade union represents over 300 non-teaching staff at university campuses. Union representatives plan a meeting to decide on responses. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Stormont holds responsibility for protecting the jobs.