University of South Wales faces job cuts amid rising costs and falling numbers
A voluntary redundancy programme has now opened for staff
Around two hundred jobs could go at the University of South Wales as bosses try to tackle rising costs and falling student numbers.
A voluntary redundancy programme has now opened for staff, as the university says it needs to cut roles to stay financially secure.
They say the offer has been agreed with trade unions and no compulsory redundancies are planned at this stage.
A University of South Wales spokesperson told us: “Like many universities, we are responding to sector-wide difficulties including declining participation rates, rising operating costs, and changes in policy relating to international students.
"As a result, we have had to consider how we can reduce our overall cost base whilst developing targeted opportunities for growth.
"Following careful consideration, we have now opened a voluntary redundancy programme for our professional services colleagues and colleagues in targeted academic areas. We have been open with colleagues about the scale of change – we are seeking to reduce our workforce by approximately 200 roles.
“This programme is entirely voluntary. We have agreed an enhanced redundancy offer for the VR programme, in consultation with our trade unions, reflecting our genuine commitment to minimising compulsory measures wherever possible.
“We understand the uncertainty this news will bring to our community. This is not a decision we take lightly and is driven by the aim to protect our long-term financial sustainability. We are now in a consultation period with colleagues and trade unions as we work through delivering the change that is required, whilst remaining committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, advancing high-impact research, and safeguarding the future of our institution as Wales’s leading widening participation university.”
The union has slammed the news, claiming that staff at the University will be 'shocked' by just how many jobs could be going.
UCU Cymru Regional Support Official Peter Hill said: “University of South Wales staff will be shocked by the scale of this announcement. UCU Cymru will work closely with the branch to defend jobs, quality and the student interest.”
“With respect to any compulsory redundancies, our red line remains – where compulsory redundancies are threatened, UCU will support our members to ballot when they resolve to take action."