Swansea University has launched a fresh round of voluntary redundancy schemes for its staff, warning that compulsory job losses remain a possibility as it grapples with a severe financial shortfall.
Voluntary Schemes Opened Amid £30m Deficit
The institution, which confirmed a need to find £30 million in savings this academic year, has opened a voluntary exit window for professional services staff until the new year. A separate scheme for academic staff in specific areas is also being developed.
A university spokesperson stated the institution is "committed to providing a further voluntary exit scheme" for academics where more savings are needed. The university has not publicly identified which subject areas or departments are being targeted, stating plans are still under development.
Third Year of Upheaval for Staff
This marks the third consecutive year of significant cuts for the university. Over the last two years, nearly 400 staff have left under voluntary severance, and almost 200 vacancies have been removed as part of a £50 million cost-saving programme.
Estelle Hart, chair of the Swansea University branch of the UCU union, said the latest announcement of £25 million in cuts to the pay budget means staff face continued upheaval. "Our members are being asked to do more with less," she said, highlighting increased workloads and job insecurity that is affecting major life decisions for employees.
Broader Crisis in UK Higher Education
The university blames its financial woes on sector-wide pressures, notably a significant drop in international student numbers, who pay higher tuition fees. This decline is attributed to increased global competition and tighter UK visa restrictions.
Swansea's situation reflects a wider crisis in Wales and across the UK. Universities in Wales began the current academic year with a combined deficit exceeding £77 million, forcing many to cut jobs and reduce costs.
While the university says compulsory redundancy is a "last resort," the UCU has drawn a red line, stating that enforced job losses could trigger industrial action. The union is consulting its members on possible measures, with formal consultation on the latest voluntary redundancies expected in early January.
The university maintains it is committed to its core mission, has no plans to close academic departments, and will continue to engage with campus unions to mitigate redundancies.
