Cardiff University, the largest academic institution in Wales, has announced plans to cut 400 full-time jobs in a bid to address a significant £30 million deficit in its budget. Faced with mounting costs and a decline in international student enrollment, the university has decided to initiate these job reductions as part of a broader strategy to stabilize its financial health. This decision follows a series of voluntary severance offers extended to its staff between June and September 2024, which saw 155 employees accepting the offer.
The proposed job cuts, representing approximately 7% of the university's workforce, are part of a measured response to the current economic challenges. A consultation period regarding these cuts will span three months, with final plans slated for consideration by the University Council in June 2025. Cardiff University, a prestigious member of the Russell Group of 24 leading research-intensive institutions, is not alone in facing such challenges. Other universities across the UK, including Newcastle University, are similarly grappling with financial shortfalls.
"It is no longer an option for us to continue as we are," remarked Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner, emphasizing the necessity of these measures.
In addition to job cuts, Cardiff University plans to merge various academic schools, including the School of Natural Sciences, School of Data Science, School of Human and Social Sciences, and School of Global Humanities. These strategic consolidations aim to streamline operations and enhance educational offerings despite budget constraints.
The Welsh government has also announced an increase in university tuition fees to £9,535 per year starting September 2025. This move is part of a nationwide effort to address funding challenges across higher education institutions.
The impact of these decisions has been profound among faculty and staff.
"I've had colleagues in tears. They'll damage our members, our students, the city, and Wales as a whole," expressed Dr Joey Whitfield, illustrating the emotional toll on those affected.
The university's proactive approach includes two rounds of voluntary severance offers aimed at mitigating the impact on its employees. The second round recently closed earlier this month, signaling a commitment to reducing compulsory redundancies wherever possible.
