More than 1,000 academic staff at Cardiff University have received letters notifying them that their jobs are still in jeopardy as the university continues its consultation process for sweeping cuts. Originally, the university had indicated 400 job losses, but it is now looking at reducing that number to 355, with 45 positions being eliminated through voluntary redundancy.
Sally-ann Efstathiou, the university’s director of people and culture, mentioned that plans to establish a Cardiff University branch in Kazakhstan could potentially save some jobs. However, she assured staff that nobody would be compelled to relocate to the new branch in Kazakhstan. Despite the hope of fewer job losses, one affected staff member described the atmosphere on campus as “grim and angry”. Former Education Minister Leighton Andrews criticized the university, suggesting it should have tapped into its reserves to mitigate the impact of the cuts.
Degree courses and academic schools such as nursing, modern languages, music, ancient history, translation, religion, and theology are among those proposed for closure at Cardiff University. These proposals were made in response to escalating costs and a decline in international student applications, leaving the university facing a significant £31 million deficit. The ongoing situation has caused distress among staff members concerned about their job security, with some feeling hesitant to voice their anxieties.
In a message to the university staff, Sally-ann Efstathiou acknowledged the anxiety and uncertainty prevailing among colleagues affected by the redundancy consultations. The voluntary redundancy scheme has seen 45 staff members leave the institution as of November 1, leading to a decrease in the proposed number of job cuts from 400 to 355. An additional 69 voluntary redundancy applications are currently under review, and the university is monitoring vacant positions created by voluntary departures to contribute to the targeted staff reductions.
In a bid to address the financial challenges, Cardiff University is exploring the opening of a branch in Kazakhstan, seeking to understand the staffing requirements for this venture. While this initiative may help alleviate job cuts, Efstathiou emphasized that no staff would be compelled to move to Astana. The looming prospect of strikes, including a marking boycott, adds further tension to the already strained situation as the University and College Union opposes the proposed cuts, garnering support from influential figures like Neil Kinnock.
The Cardiff UCU union branch has been advocating for the university to tap into its reserves to avert job losses, highlighting the availability of existing resources amounting to £188 million. Expressing concern over the link between future redundancies and the Kazakhstan branch establishment, the union emphasized the need for cautious decision-making to safeguard the institution’s reputation. Cardiff University, on its part, promised ongoing consultation and pledged to explore all avenues to prevent compulsory redundancies, underscoring its commitment to staff well-being.
As the consultation process progresses, Cardiff University plans to review the number of job losses at two more junctures before the end of the 90-day period initiated in January. The university’s proposals remain subject to revision based on feedback and engagement with stakeholders. Despite the challenging circumstances, efforts to navigate the financial constraints while prioritizing staff welfare and academic continuity are at the forefront of Cardiff University’s agenda.
In conclusion, the ongoing developments at Cardiff University highlight the precariousness facing academic institutions worldwide amidst economic pressures and evolving educational landscapes. As the university charts a path forward, balancing financial viability with academic excellence and staff support will be paramount to weathering the current challenges.