The University of South Wales has announced plans to cut a further 200 jobs as it responds to ongoing challenges facing the higher education sector.
The university said it has opened a voluntary redundancy process for staff working in professional services and some academic areas. Officials said the move is aimed at reducing operating costs while ensuring the institution remains financially stable.
A university spokesperson said the decision was influenced by sector-wide pressures, including lower student participation rates, rising operational costs, and policy changes affecting international students.
The spokesperson added that compulsory redundancies would be avoided wherever possible.
Previously, the university had launched consultations on proposals to cut 160 professional services roles and 90 academic positions, which also included plans to close some courses.
However, the latest proposal focuses on reducing the workforce by around 200 roles without closing departments or courses. The university said the plan could help save about £11 million.
The announcement has drawn criticism from staff unions. University and College Union (UCU) chair at the university, Estelle Hart, said the news had caused concern among employees.
She 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”.
Hart added that the decision was surprising because staff had been told the university was financially stable.
“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 said.
Responding to the concerns, the university said it had been open with employees about the scale of the changes required.
“We have been open with colleagues about the scale of change – we are seeking to reduce our workforce by approximately 200 roles,” the spokesperson said.
“This programme is entirely voluntary.”
The university also said it had agreed on an enhanced redundancy package in consultation with trade unions to minimise compulsory job losses.
“This is not a decision we take lightly and is driven by the aim to protect our long-term financial sustainability,” the spokesperson added.
Latest figures show the university currently employs about 2,040 staff members.
Other universities in Wales have also been reducing staff numbers over the past 18 months. Swansea University announced in January that it would cut 55 academic jobs.
Meanwhile, Dan Beard, branch secretary for Unison at the university, said staff understood the financial pressures affecting higher education institutions.
“The financial pressures facing universities are well understood and staff recognise the challenges across the sector,” he said.
He added that any workforce reductions should remain voluntary and that staff should not be pressured to leave. Beard also warned of growing concern about the long-term impact of repeated job cuts on staff workload, morale and university services.
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