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Wales Online
30-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
'We're worried sick about job losses' say staff as university posts huge deficit
'We're worried sick about job losses' say staff as university posts huge deficit Universities around Wales are cutting jobs with Bangor now saying it had a £13m deficit at the end of last year, with more financial pressure on the way Students at the Ffriddoedd halls at Bangor University (Image: Bangor University ) Bangor University is £13m in deficit, according to its delayed financial report which has just been published. Staff at the university have responded by saying they are "worried sick about the forced loss of their livelihood", with hundreds of jobs going and some employees facing compulsory redundancy as the university desperately tries to balance the books. All other universities in Wales published their annual financial reports either late last year or earlier this year. They are all under pressure with only two, the University of Wales Trinity St David and Wrexham - posting a surplus. In its report, Bangor University included warnings from its Vice Chancellor Professor Edmund Burke of financial problems ahead. A combined deficit of more than £70m is expected to be reported by universities in Wales at the end of this academic year - but the figure could well be higher. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. A Bangor University spokesperson said: "Bangor University has published its financial statements for the year to 31 July 2024. Whilst they are normally published in December, this year they were delayed because of the need to renegotiate some of the terms of the loans. "The year to 31 July 2024 was challenging with income falling by 4% to £170 million. This was largely due to a reduction in EU research grant income as schemes have been closed after Brexit. In the year there was an underlying deficit of £13m The financial savings action currently underway is designed to improve financial performance, the university is making good progress on delivering the savings needed. " Dr Vivek Thuppil, UCU union representative and lecturer at Bangor University, said staff were under enormous strain as a result of cuts, which would also affect students:. 'The financial difficulties at Bangor University has hit our members hard. At the university, 250 staff are already leaving as a result of accepting voluntary severance," he said. "This is already resulting in severe impacts on staff workload for those left behind next year. Unfortunately, despite this, the university is still aiming to make a further reduction of 100 staff, including through the process of compulsory redundancy if necessary. "Our members are worried sick about the forced loss of their livelihoods. No university in Wales has gone down the route of compulsory redundancy in more than a decade, and it is vital that Bangor University is not the first one to cross this ignominious rubicon, which could cause a domino effect in the rest of the country." Dr Thuppil called on the Welsh Government to help Bangor University "as a major employer and generator of economic activity in north Wales", and said the university should use some of its reserves instead of cutting jobs. In the report Professor Burke and Bangor University council chair Marian Wyn Jones blamed factors beyond the university's control for financial troubles. "The university continues to face unprecedented challenges due to historically static tuition fees for home undergraduate students which are set by the government, persistent inflationary pressures, and policy changes on international student visas," Ms Wyn Jones said. The Vice Chancellor added: " We are taking steps to bring our costs down to a sustainable level and to consider opportunities to grow our income." Earlier this month Bangor University, which has around 2,000 staff, announced a further 78 job losses on top of 200 already announced in February, saying it could not rule out compulsory redundancies. Its annual report shows that 26 of Bangor University staff, excluding the Vice Chancellor received pay (excluding employer's pension contributions) of between £100,000 and £184,999 in 2023-24 compared with 18 paid between those rates the previous year. Hundreds of job losses have also been announced Cardiff University, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales, while Swansea is carrying out a "curriculum review" and the University of Wales Trinity St David has shut its Lampeter campus. Earlier this week Cardiff University, which faced outcry at proposals to close entire departments in wide ranging cuts, rowed back again on its plans. It said it won't now shut its music and modern languages courses having also previously shelved its proposed closure of the school of nursing. But proposals to close ancient history, theology and religion courses are still on the table with the revised cuts proposal going for final approval to the university's council on June 17. In January Cardiff University planned to axe 500 jobs but has now reduced that to 138 thanks to staff taking voluntary redundancy and savings plans submitted by departments. Around 400 staff are still under threat of redundancy there and many have left already, the UCU has said. Article continues below Cardiff Met still aims to cut up to 14% of its teaching workforce with compulsory redundancy notices served in April. The proposed compulsory redundancies come on the back of three rounds of voluntary severance. Up to 61 academic staff are under threat of compulsory job losses there with a total 100 jobs at risk," the UCU said.
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Wales Online
'It's perfect the way it is' say people of Welsh town named one of the most boring in Britain
'It's perfect the way it is' say people of Welsh town named one of the most boring in Britain "We're quite happy keeping its charm our little secret" Lampeter was named by The Telegraph as one of the most "boring" towns in the UK (Image: Google Maps ) A recent list published by The Telegraph has certainly sparked a conversation, naming Lampeter as one of the most "boring" places in the UK. But is this quiet Welsh town really deserving of such a label? Tucked away in the heart of rural Wales, Lampeter may be home to the University of Wales Trinity St David, but it doesn't offer the fast-paced vibe typically linked to university towns. Instead, its calm, tranquil pace now attracts those in search of a more relaxed lifestyle. Lampeter hums with local life; the town's vibrant centre is filled with independent shops, offering everything from vintage vinyl and second-hand books to handmade crafts, quirky clothing, and artisan homeware. With spots like Lambis and the Creative Cove, Siop y Smotyn Du and Calico Kate — it's the kind of place where you can spend a lazy afternoon discovering treasures in the most unexpected corners. Food lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice in Lampeter. One of the town's most beloved gems is Conti's, an award-winning ice cream parlour that has been a local institution since the 1930s. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Local pride runs deep, and residents aren't shy about defending their town's quiet allure. One resident fired back at The Telegraph's description, saying, "Only boring people get bored!" Explaining why they chose Lampeter, they shared: 'We moved here specifically for the slower pace of life, sense of community, and endless beauty and freedom of nature. Having lived in and around cities like Cardiff, Limerick, Glasgow, Nottingham, Edinburgh, and Southampton... I can hand on heart say, I was way more miserable surrounded by the noise and filth of those environments and the stress of the rat race." Article continues below They went on to emphasise the value of the town's calm, family-friendly atmosphere: "I love the fact Lampeter is calm, quiet, and friendly. There are plenty of activities and clubs for the kids to enjoy. "It feels safe enough to let them play out with their friends, and they can learn about nature and how to care for our planet—hopefully before our own generation has destroyed it. I love the mountains, the forests, the nearby historical architecture, and of course, the beautiful beaches that I never have to sit in traffic to get to!" "Lampeter has pretty much all the amenities we need, without the drawback of too many people and the inevitable traffic jams that come with them. Personally, I love it, and it frustrates me every time I read negative comments about the area from people wishing to build and expand. "I would hate for it to turn into another busy town, like the ones we have just left! Personally, I think those who find it boring should move to a city and make space for those who appreciate the more important things in life." Another local echoed this sentiment, adding: "Conti's ice cream with its rich family history, 150 years of rugby, independent retailers and cafés, historic churches, huge community spirit, traditional Welsh pubs like The Bush, and country hotels like Falcondale with its beautiful lake. Wildlife, agriculture—what's not to like?" Another one of Lampeter's treasures is The Welsh Quilt Centre. Officially opened in 2010 by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the centre was born from the passion and vision of Jen Jones, a textile enthusiast who has spent over four decades collecting and preserving Welsh quilts, blankets, and textiles. Thanks to her tireless dedication, this once-forgotten craft is now celebrated, ensuring that an important part of Welsh heritage continues to thrive for future generations. Just a short distance from the town's creative heart lies Longwood Community Woodland, a 325-acre expanse of lush greenery tucked within ancient woodland. This retreat is a perfect reflection of the town's natural beauty, offering walking, cycling, and nature enthusiasts a calm escape. Following The Telegraph's review, Lampeter Town Council commented: "While the some may label Lampeter as "boring," those of us lucky enough to live here know the truth: Lampeter is a vibrant, lively, and welcoming town full of character, creativity, and community spirit. From its thriving independent shops and cafes to the events, music, and arts that fill the calendar, there's always something happening beneath the quiet surface. Article continues below "But honestly—we're not too fussed about correcting the misconception. We're quite happy keeping Lampeter's charm our little secret. It may not be flashy, but that's part of the appeal. Just don't tell too many people—it's perfect just the way it is."
