Hundreds more university jobs cut to reduce costs

The University of South Wales (USW) says it is cutting a further 200 jobs in response to problems facing the higher education sector.

It said a voluntary redundancy process had now opened for staff in professional services and in some academic areas.

A spokesperson said it was responding to "sector wide difficulties including lower participation rates, rising operating costs and changes in policy relating to international students".

Compulsory redundancies would be avoided "wherever possible", the spokesperson added.

The university previously held consultation processes on proposals to cut 160 jobs in professional services and 90 in academic areas, including closing some courses.

The University and College Union (UCU) chair Estelle Hart said the announcement had "caused considerable shock and worry for staff at USW who have been given a matter of weeks to make life-changing decisions or find themselves at risk of redundancy".

She said it was "more shocking" because of a narrative from the university of a cash-rich institution with stable finances.

"USW must be transparent with staff and students about the reasons for proposed job losses and they must open their books and commit to working with trade unions to find solutions that don't include job losses," she added.

A spokesperson for USW said the latest proposals to reduce the workforce by 200 did not include course or department closures, and could equate to savings of £11m.

They said the university "had to consider how we can reduce our overall cost base whilst developing targeted opportunities for growth" due to the problems facing the sector.

"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", they added.

"We have agreed an enhanced redundancy offer for the voluntary redundancy programme, in consultation with our trade unions, reflecting our genuine commitment to minimising compulsory measures wherever possible.

"This is not a decision we take lightly and is driven by the aim to protect our long-term financial sustainability".

Latest figures show there were 2,040 members of staff at USW.

Other universities in Wales have been reducing staff numbers over the past 18 months, with Swansea University announcing in January that it was cutting 55 academic jobs.

Dan Beard, Unison University of South Wales branch secretary, said: "The financial pressures facing universities are well understood and staff recognise the challenges across the sector.

"Any workforce reductions must, wherever possible, be genuinely voluntary and carried out with no pressure on staff to leave.

He added that there was "real concern about the cumulative impact of repeated job losses on workload, morale and the long-term sustainability of services".