LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The University of Kentucky is furloughing 1,700 workers in the wake of a budget shortfall.
President Eli Capilouto says approximately 1,500 of the full-and-part-time employees work at UK HealthCare.
Low operational activity or administrative no-pay status will begin April 26.
Officials say furloughs could last a week, or weeks.
Another 200 employees will be furloughed from UK's Dental Clinics as well as Dining and Transportation Services.
UK says the Hilary J. Boone Center, a campus dining and events facility will close, resulting in a reduction in force affecting seven people.
President Capilouto says more furloughs may be needed in the coming weeks in places where work has been reduced.
UK HealthCare says it has spent at least $20 million dollars preparing for COVID-19 in the last several weeks.
With the loss of elective procedures, outpatient volumes at UK HealthCare were down 45% this month.
UK says it hopes to get people back to work as soon as possible.
