Restructuring proposals at Cardiff University affecting more than 1,000 professional services staff are causing huge anxiety about job downgrades and pressure to leave, says UNISON Cymru today (Friday).
The union says the scale and timing of the changes are causing significant concern and uncertainty for workers who have already faced months of upheaval as staff have been forced to take on extra tasks while 200 posts remain unfilled. Many have also taken on duties previously carried out by academic staff lost through earlier restructures.
Professional services staff are the backbone of the university, says UNISON, essential to the day-to-day running and ensuring students receive the support they need in a safe and welcoming environment.
They include administrative, clerical, and technical staff across departments such as student support, admissions, estates, finance, IT, human resources and libraries.
While the university insists there will be no compulsory redundancies, UNISON says many staff face the risk of their roles being downgraded or substantially altered, with some feeling under pressure to take voluntary redundancy if they don’t accept the proposed changes.
The management of the process has also fallen far short of expectations, UNISON says. Unions were given no advance warning and received consultation papers only at the same time as affected staff, which is not in the spirit of genuine partnership working.
Cardiff University professional services worker Lisa said: “I’m really worried about what’s coming. We’ve been told there’s a role for everyone, but we’ve no idea what that role may be. I like my current job and take pride in it. I’m worried about having to do a new role and there’s uncertainty about whether I will need training or be put on a lower grade. It’s all so confusing.”
UNISON Cardiff University branch secretary Katie Hall said: “Cardiff University’s professional services staff keep this institution running. They support students, manage research, maintain systems, and provide the vital services that underpin the university’s success.
“After a bruising year of restructuring in academic departments, many staff are already overstretched and exhausted. Now they’re facing more uncertainty just weeks before Christmas. It’s a time when people should be able to rest and recharge, not worry about their jobs and livelihoods.
“The university may say this process is about changing roles, not losing people. But these are real individuals with families, commitments and bills to pay. There’s deep concern about the toll this will take on their wellbeing.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the recognised union for professional services staff at Cardiff University.
– Around 1,445 staff have been told their roles could change under the current proposals.
– Details of the union’s higher education campaign can be found here
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Jim Poulter M: 07904 342511 E: j.poulter@unison.co.uk
