In a surprise move, Cardiff University this week made an unprecedented climbdown from its planned 400 job cuts, bringing the figure down to 286. This only comes after many years of staff choosing voluntary redundancy as the university was rocked by continuing deliberation about the university’s direction. In response, the executive board has granted a second consultation period. You can now participate in additional conversation through June 30, a much bigger improvement than moving the deadline just to May 6.
Cardiff University, and others, are already making moves to address the financial crisis facing universities. They want to achieve this with the least disruption possible to their staff and students. The framework outlined above is expected to be finalized, with proposed specific job cuts, and voted on by the University Council on June 17. Cardiff University has made a brave but important decision to address pressing concerns right away. They’ve suspended mandatory exit packages for the rest of the calendar year. Even with these measures in place, the university’s administration has signaled that they intend to cut jobs even after 2025.
This huge number reflects the depth of employee impact by the massive layoff and restructuring campaign that continues today. The university has heard from over 600 applicants for voluntary redundancy. This indicates that staff are already rolling up their sleeves and looking to leave when the grass is greener.
A spokesperson for Cardiff University said they were happy with the developments so far. They noted, “We are extremely happy that we’ve been able to get to this point, and we reaffirm our wish to collaborate in partnership for the benefit of students, staff and our broader university community.”
Dr. Andy Williams of Cardiff University and the University and College Union (UCU) acknowledged the mixed emotions surrounding this situation. He referred to the settlement as a “bittersweet victory.” He conceded that minimizing the proposed loss of jobs was a positive move, but noted that a host of unknowns remain.
“A huge impact on our ability to do our jobs, on our health… and on our ability to provide the excellent education we feel our students deserve,” – Dr. Andy Williams.
Students at Cardiff University have also spoken out about the administration’s mishandling of the situation. Fflur Evans, a 20-year-old student, condemned the tactic used by the university calling it “unprofessional” and “cruel.” She highlighted her advocacy in favor of her faculty through this rough period.
“My lecturers have been there for me so much, and I’d like to think that we as students would be there for them too,” – Fflur Evans, 20.
Evans continued by stating that showing public solidarity with educators is important for morale, especially that of the university community. Similarly, Amelia, another student, explained her insight as follows. She adds that strikes and industrial action can often be “really demoralising” for those of us who rely on a peaceful education setting.
As Cardiff University looks ahead to phase two of its consultation process, it will be keeping an open dialogue with staff and students. The administration seems dedicated to ensuring that everyone’s voice is counted. It’s creatively meeting the new demands of austerity and agency reorganization.
