UNISON comment on University of South Wales/Trinity St David’s announcement

Commenting on today’s (Thursday) announcement by University of South Wales and Trinity St David of a ‘strategic alliance’, UNISON University of South Wales branch secretary Dan Beard, said,

“University support staff at the University of South Wales and at Trinity St David cautiously welcome the news of this partnership.

“It does have potential to build on the strengths of the two universities and help us set a strategy of growth and give assurance to staff. However, we must note that there is little appetite for anything more than a partnership – a university merger would be unwelcome, would be costly and would distract staff from their core missions in this time of uncertainty.

“We recognise we have been given assurances this is a strategic partnership and not the blueprint for a merger but it would be fair to say we have some reservations and will be upholding our customary role of holding university management to account and being a critical friend over this partnership period.”

Contact

Alastair Gittins, UNISON Cymru Wales press officer on 07816 53 83 97