UK Universities Funding Crisis: Cardiff, Durham Announce Job Cuts

The UK universities have been facing a funding shortfall for a while and there is an industry-wide fear of job losses. Amid the scenario, Cardiff University and Durham University announced to cut jobs and discontinue some courses.

As per media reports, Cardiff University and Durham University in the UK have announced slashing jobs as a cost-cutting measure. Cardiff has confirmed to cut around 400 full-time jobs and it might also remove some of the courses and there could be departments merging with music, nursing, and modern languages among the subjects to face the cuts. Durham University also planning to cut 200 jobs.

Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Larner has said that the job cuts are only a proposal but added that without drastic reforms, Cardiff University would have become “untenable”, as reported by the Guardian.

Declining International Student Applications In UK Affected Universities Funding

Professor Wendy Larner said that due to the reducing international student applications, the university needs to make these difficult decisions.

The Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) has termed it a “cruel and unnecessary” step. Dr Joey Whitfield from Cardiff UCU said that they were shocked about it.

“It is no longer an option for us to continue as we are. We have worked diligently to create initial proposals for a slightly smaller university, refocused around our core and emerging strengths: a university ready to leverage new academic opportunities, prepare students for an adapting world and meet changing market demands as they arise. I know that these proposals impact some staff more than others and they will cause a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety for those potentially impacted," said Professor Wendy Larner.

Prof Karen O’Brien, vice-chancellor of Durham University, said: “We cannot fulfil our aims of remaining a world-class centre of research and education without a firmly established and sustainable financial base. We appreciate today’s announcement will be concerning to staff.”

While commenting on job losses in the UK university sector, UNISON head of education Mike Short said, “Universities, like other public services, were starved of cash under the previous Conservative governments. Persistent underfunding has left many institutions in financial crisis, but essential support staff shouldn’t be bearing the brunt of budget woes. This is already an anxious time for students. Announcing job cuts just as the applications process for 2025 closes is not a good look for universities. Cutting staff numbers is a false economy, harming the higher education experience for thousands of students who will lose their safety, security and support. The government must provide long-term, sustainable funding in response to the crisis in higher education.”

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