‘Don’t rush into these devastating job cuts’
UNIVERSITY URGED TO THINK AGAIN OVER PLANS TO AXE 200 ROLES
BANGOR University chiefs have been urged not to “rush” into “devastating” job cuts as they bid to deal with a major budget shortfall.
Eighty academic roles and 120 support staff jobs in IT, examinations, academic registry, libraries, estates, accommodation and student support are set to go under cuts proposed by the university.
They say they need to find £13m in savings due to an anticipated shortfall in income.
But political leaders have urged the uni not to rush into any quick decisions.
Arfon MS Siân Gwenllian said: “I am hugely concerned that the decision announced today is being rushed.
“The damaging impact of such job losses in an area such as my constituency cannot be overstated.
“As I have argued in the past, 200 hundred jobs in Bangor can equate to thousands of jobs in more populous areas of the country.
“I am calling on the university to act in a measured way, and to discuss calmly with the workforce so as not to create unnecessary ill-will that could have a long lasting negative effect.”
Arfon MP Hywel Williams said: “This is potentially a severe blow to the area and devastating news for those who now face losing their jobs.
“My immediate thoughts of course are with those who will be affected by this announcement. These are very tough times for everyone, and universities have been hit by Covid-19 in many ways.
“I understand that final decisions have not yet been made and staff and the unions are being consulted on alternatives.
“As this is the third round of cuts in many areas, it seems unlikely that the cuts can be made by voluntary redundancies and retirements.
“Whichever way, safeguarding both the rights of staff and Bangor’s excellent reputation must be priorities.
“I join with Siân Gwenllian MS in seeking an urgent meeting with University bosses to discuss this further.”
A university spokeswoman said: “An anticipated shortfall in income, mainly related to international student recruitment, requires Bangor University to find £13m savings.
“Last month the university started a period of consultation about how these savings might be achieved and has now shared proposals for a restructure with staff, as part of this consultation.
“With our nationally recognized gold rating for teaching excellence students are at the heart of the University.
“Our priority in any changes will be to ensure that their experience is not only protected but enhanced.”