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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.