Uni staff tell of ‘stress and worry’ at shake-up

MORE than 1,100 Cardiff University staff say they have been effectively issued with redundancy notices this week.

- ABBIE WIGHTWICK

They say alternative posts are not at the same level and their jobs are at risk in a second major overhaul at the university.

The institution has insisted there are jobs for everyone in the latest shakeup announced on Thursday, but staff say that is not the case as some alternative posts on offer come with a lower wage or different hours and conditions.

One spoke of their deep stress at finding out their job had gone so close to Christmas.

A senior professional services staff member said: “I am being asked to make a major decision about whether to take voluntary redundancy without any understanding of what my future role will look like, after spending the majority of my career working for this institution.

“This is creating significant stress, particularly as the decision falls so close to the Christmas period, a time that should be spent with my family rather than facing uncertainty about employment and income?”

Cardiff University faces a £30m funding “black hole’, while collectively universities in Wales have a £77m-plus deficit

Cardiff University bosses announced on Thursday that they are reorganising nonacademic staff following bruising cuts, job losses and department closures among academics.

Academic cuts at Cardiff University were finally agreed by its ruling council in June after six months of rows, demonstrations, public outcry and job losses.

Under the latest overhaul, unions said more than 1,100 nonacademic staff have received notice that their roles are at risk.

The university said this was a necessary part of the legal process but was adamant there were jobs for all those told their current roles will go.

A university spokesperson said: “Impacted staff have not been issued with notice of redundancy?”