A "toxic" culture has emerged at Cardiff University following the announcement of plans to cut 400 jobs and eliminate several courses. Former education minister and current professor Leighton Andrews expressed concerns about a "climate of fear" within the university, where staff morale has plummeted since the announcement in January aimed at addressing a £31m budget deficit.
Financial Alternatives
Professor Andrews has pointed out that the university possesses millions in cash and investments, suggesting that these funds could be utilized instead of implementing what he termed a "slash and burn programme". He emphasized the need for trust and goodwill among academics, who are essential for future ground-breaking research.
Job Cuts and Course Eliminations
The proposed cuts, announced on January 28, include significant reductions in areas such as nursing, music, and modern languages, potentially leading to a 7% reduction in the academic workforce. Additionally, some academic schools may be merged, affecting staffing levels in disciplines like medicine and business.
Call for Action
The university's plans are currently under a 90-day consultation, with final decisions expected in June. In response, the University and College Union is considering strike action to combat compulsory redundancies. Andrews, who supports the idea of industrial action, believes the university should use its estimated £100m in reserves to mitigate the impact of the cuts.
Wider Context
This situation is not isolated; other Welsh universities, including Bangor University and the University of South Wales, have also announced job cuts. The Welsh government has pledged additional funding for the higher education sector but urges universities to explore all options to avoid layoffs.
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