ABOUT 200 staff members at Bangor University are at risk of redundancy.
A total of 120 support staff jobs are set to go, affecting workers in I.T, examinations, academic registry, libraries, estates, accommodation and student support, along with 80 academic jobs.
Unison, University and College Union (UCU) and Unite have criticised what is a third round of job cuts in the last three years.
They claim Bangor University executives are 'not interested in long-term planning' or in evaluating where savings might be made without harmful cuts to staff numbers.
The job cuts will be a huge blow to the local economy.
200 people are set to lose their jobs at Bangor University
The trade unions argue there is a 'duty' on Bangor University to protect jobs as it is one of the three main employers in Gwynedd.
The matter is to be raised with the Welsh Government.
Christine Lewis, Unison Bangor branch secretary, said: “Bangor University is rushing into redundancies without waiting until we know how many domestic and overseas students are going to be here next year.
“University executives have been shedding staff for three years and they still haven’t achieved financial stability.
“Why isn’t Bangor saying ‘let’s put people before buildings’ and see if sensible saving can be made elsewhere first before axing dedicated staff.”
Daryl Williams, Unite regional officer, said: “Bangor University are sacking staff based on pessimistic projections. Rather than panic and make skilled people redundant, it would be better for the university to sit down with their employees and unions to plan for the future and decide what type of institution they want to be.
“Another round of cuts will hit staff morale at a time when people are working flat out to cope with Covid.”
Dyfrig Jones, Bangor University UCU president, said: “Universities are organisations which are largely reliant on intellectual capital to deliver services.
"Making staff redundant during a pandemic when the university needs to draw on the intellectual capital of staff to deliver blended learning and support students seems very short-sighted."
Confirming figures, a spokesperson from Bangor University said: “Up to 200 full time equivalent staff posts are at risk of redundancy.
“An anticipated shortfall in income, mainly related to international student recruitment, requires Bangor University to find £13m savings. Last month the University started a period of consultation about how these savings might be achieved and has now shared proposals for a restructure with staff, as part of this consultation.
"With our nationally recognized gold rating for teaching excellence students are at the heart of the University. Our priority in any changes will be to ensure that their experience is not only protected but enhanced.
"Whilst this is a period of significant challenge it also provides an opportunity to innovate and emerge from Covid-19 stronger and as a leading force in higher education and the economy of North Wales and beyond.”
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