These developments necessitate measures to reduce the financial deficits in our faculty. The faculty board has decided to implement an immediate hiring freeze on 18 September 2024. This hiring freeze applies to all positions funded by the primary funding stream. Exceptions to the hiring freeze are only possible if critical issues arise with education or support, or if there are contractual obligations.
We understand that this is a drastic measure that may cause uncertainty and concerns. A meeting was organised on Monday 30 September, during which questions were addressed to the faculty board. If you have questions and concerns, you can also approach your supervisor/institute leadership or your HR adviser.
Frequently Asked Questions
A number of frequently asked questions for staff and supervisors have been collected below:
For staff
Question: I am doing permanent work and have a contract with the prospect of being made permanent. What does the hiring freeze mean for me?
Answer: At this time, nothing, and the contract will still be converted to a permanent one if performance is satisfactory.
Question: I am a PhD candidate with a temporary contract (1.5 years, with a 2.5-year extension if performance is satisfactory). What does this mean for me?
Answer: If performance is satisfactory, the contract will be extended for the duration specified in the employment agreement.
Question: I have a temporary contract (e.g. as a postdoc) with the prospect of extension. What does this mean for me?
Answer: If performance is satisfactory, the contract will be extended for the duration specified in the employment agreement or job description.
Question: I have a temporary contract without the prospect of extension for a fixed or permanent term. What does this hiring freeze mean for me?
Answer: The contract will end automatically on the agreed end date.
Question: I am employed on a career track where I will be promoted if I meet the criteria. What does this mean for me?
Answer: The agreements set out in the career track will remain unchanged.
For supervisors
Question: I currently have a vacancy published through the official RU recruitment channels. What are the consequences of the hiring freeze for this procedure?
Answer: This procedure will generally continue, and the vacancy can be filled if a suitable candidate is found. Consult with your research director, education director, or business director regarding ongoing vacancies in light of the financial situation.
Question: My department/institute’s budget still includes a vacancy. Can I now publish and fill this vacancy?
Answer: No, unless not filling the position would cause critical issues with education, support, or contractual obligations. In such cases, follow the procedure for requesting an exception to the hiring freeze.
Question: One of my staff members is leaving due to retirement or another job. Can I refill this position?
Answer: No, unless not filling the position would cause critical issues with education, support, or contractual obligations. In such cases, follow the procedure for requesting an exception to the hiring freeze.
Question: A new member of the academic staff was promised a position as part of a start-up package, but the vacancy has not yet been published. Can I still do this?
Answer: No, you cannot.
Question: Are student assistants also subject to the hiring freeze?
Answer: For the time being, they are not.