Cuts to university’s staff ‘could hit student safety’
AUNION has attacked Bangor University over threatened job cuts – warning about the impact on student safety.
The Daily Post yesterday reported that around 60 workers could be at risk of being axed as university chiefs seek to make £5m in budget cuts.
Unison hit out over the proposals and singled out the threat to cut security team jobs as a particular risk.
They said these workers keep students safe from crime and are often the first responders to medical emergencies on campus.
Unison added that the cuts were tough to take for low-paid workers when put against the £245,000 salary of the vice-chancellor John G Hughes, who has also come under fire for the money spent on the “grace and favour” house that comes with the role.
He will step down from his role at the end of the month.
Unison regional organiser Wendy Allison said: “Support staff work as hard as they can to make Bangor a success.
“Rather than stabilising the university, slashing jobs will instead turn off students of the future if they think the campus is less safe and there is less interest in promoting student welfare. When you consider what Bangor University contributes to the local economy and for Wales, it’s essential to protect the quality of education and student support and we’ll work hard with the university to achieve those aims.
“The new vice-chancellor must have a vision to make Bangor a great educational institution.
“There’s no doubt the five-star grace and favour accommodation and first-class overseas travel of the current vice-chancellor has caused resentment amongst low-pay staff threatened with redundancy.
“The staff trade unions must be allowed to help shape the direction of Bangor going forward.”
A Bangor University spokeswoman said: “The proposals are currently out to consultation and the unions are being kept fully involved in the consultation process.”
She added: “Bangor University, like many in the UK higher education sector, is facing a challenging financial landscape as a result of many factors, including intense competition both at home and internationally and a substantial demographic downturn in the 18 to 20-year-old population.
“To ensure the long-term financial health of the institution, Bangor University’s council has approved a number of business cases for consultation.”