Fewer Bangor uni jobs under threat

BANGOR University says the number of jobs under threat of compulsory redundancy has now been reduced.

The institution is making cuts in order to make savings of £8.5m and originally said that up to 170 roles were at risk.

But now, after a number of staff accepted voluntary severance deals and other money- saving proposals, that figure has been revised to 115.

A spokesman said: “For some months Bangor University has been carrying out a wideranging review in order to respond to the changes that will arise over the coming years and to address significant financial challenges.

“Recent financial projections, taking into account further changes to income and expenditure, showed that savings of £8.5m needed to be secured in order to ensure that the university can meet the challenges it faces.

“This would equate to a loss of approximately 170 posts if no other action was taken. However, because of the steps taken so far, including a voluntary severance scheme, the number of potential compulsory redundancies has reduced to 115 as things stand this week.”

A period of formal consultation with trades unions and staff has also begun this week, and this will consider a restructuring plan to deliver the savings required.

The consultation will be open until September 1, and the university will be conducting detailed discussions with the trades unions during this period.

Bangor University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor John G Hughes, said: “While the number of posts at risk has reduced, it is still a significant number.

“The university has many strengths, and in carrying out this review we will maintain these strengths and also create scope for future investment in academic programmes.”