THE MOVE by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to impose a virtual recruitment embargo across the third-level sector is not unexpected. A broadly similar freeze on recruitment is already in place in the wider public sector. But the new Employment Control Framework, which was set out by the HEA in a circular to colleges last week, is not just another cost- cutting exercise; it presents a fundamental change in the manner in which universities operate. It represents a significant diminution of their autonomy.
While the HEA has notified colleges of the embargo, the initiative clearly came from the Department of Finance and the Department of Education and Science; the authority implicitly acknowledges as much in their notification to colleges. The tone of the directive to colleges could scarcely be more robust. Continued State funding will be dependent on full compliance with the new framework. Very severe restrictions are imposed on the recruitment and/or continued employment of part-time staff. Deviations from the strict terms of the embargo, even for essential frontline academic staff, will only be possible in the most exceptional circumstances.
No sensible person could argue with the need to save costs in higher education but – on the face of it – the restrictions set down in the framework could be unworkable in practice. Several colleges, notably in the institute of technology sector, have already signalled that some courses run by part-time lecturing staff may have to be withdrawn.
There is also the wider question of the independence of our university sector as guaranteed under the 1997 Universities Act. The kind of micro-management of key staffing decisions set out in the framework runs counter to the Act. It will force university heads to make decisions only on the most restrictive costs grounds – without any reference to the wider strategic need of the college or the State.
A compromise proposal outlined by Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes makes good sense. He believes a more flexible approach is needed in which colleges operate strict controls over spending while keeping control of their own staffing decisions.
The group representing university presidents will have discussions with the HEA about the new framework. There is speculation that some compromise on the strict terms of the document may be possible. Such an outcome would be desirable.