Ulster University announced plans last week for up to 450 voluntary redundancies across its campuses. The potential job losses include 221 in Belfast, 114 in Coleraine, 108 in Magee, and seven in Jordanstown.

Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin questioned Universities Minister Caoimhe Archibald at Stormont on Tuesday. McLaughlin expressed concern over the 108 jobs at risk in Magee and asked how the Executive could support campus expansion.

Archibald stated that Magee expansion remains an Executive priority and a Programme for Government commitment. She noted department investment of £35m since the Executive's 2024 restoration, leading to a 22 per cent increase in student numbers. Archibald mentioned the Magee Taskforce working toward a 10,000 student target.

The minister described her department's financial position as challenging. She said the Executive has warned of unsustainable finances and seeks a proper funding model for public services, including further and higher education.

Archibald attributed sector underfunding to decisions by the British Government. She called for a united Executive voice to demand better funding.

On Monday, McLaughlin raised the redundancies as a Matter of the Day in the Assembly. She stated that Magee growth to 10,000 students and Derry City and Strabane City Deal ambitions require additional staff.

DUP MLA Philip Brett, Economy Committee chair, noted impacts on students and services across campuses. He quoted the Department for the Economy's Permanent Secretary Ian Snowden, who three weeks ago said £40m recurrent funding is needed for 10,000 Magee students and extra Coleraine undergraduates from 2032.

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy called for a review of higher education funding. DUP MLA Maurice Bradley highlighted Ulster University's £20.2m 2025 operating deficit and lack of inflationary growth in teaching grants for nearly two decades.