Aberystwyth University offering ALL staff voluntary redundancy…with up to 150 jobs at risk
Aberystwyth university has written to all members of staff with a request for voluntary redundancies according to the Unison union.
It is understood that up to 150 jobs are at risk as the university aims to save £11m over the next two years.
The university blamed competition for students, a drop in numbers of 18 year olds and the affect of Brexit.
Unison’s Jeff Baker said: “The university has met with the trade unions and accounting for the scale of the savings required, we understand that up to 150 jobs could be at risk.
“Aberystwyth University is the major employer in west Wales and undoubtedly, this will impact on the local and regional economy.
“We know the university has serious financial problems.
“This is a result of a series of poor decisions taken by the senior management over a number of years, the drop in student applicants from the UK and abroad and the fact that more potential students are opting to stay at home.
For job opportunities in the region see www.fish4.co.uk/jobs/north-wales
“Unison will work with Aberystwyth university to identify potential savings. We will defend members’ salaries, terms and conditions.
“Any redundancies should fall equally on senior managers as other staff and we will be looking for additional protections for the lower paid front line staff.
“Universities are vital assets to be nurtured. We want the Welsh government to consider whether intervention is necessary. The quality of learning and student support must be protected.”
In a statement Aberystwyth University said: “Like other UK universities, we are facing changes and challenges including increasingly intense competition for students, a demographic decrease in the current pool of 18-year-olds, and rising costs.
“Universities also face uncertainties caused by Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, as well as tighter visa regulations for international students.
“Based on these factors and our current student recruitment figures, we are facing a projected budget deficit and need to make significant savings of £6m (5%) in 2017-18 and £5.4m (5%) in 2018-19.
“The University’s Council has approved an action plan setting out the positive steps which are being taken to restore the institution to a sound financial footing, as well as identifying investments in growth areas.”
