Planned job cuts at Cardiff University have led to a "total health and safety crisis" with staff feeling their wellbeing has been inadequately considered, a union says. Cardiff UCU has reported Cardiff University's University Executive Board (UEB) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following a "comprehensive breakdown of trust and morale" between university bosses and staff. The universityinitially announced that 400 jobs were at riskand some courses were to be axed inthe cost-saving measures, but later reduced this and pledged there would be no compulsory redundancies this year. The university said it was working to increase support on offer to staff members. On Monday, the university issued an update which stated 151 staff had voluntarily resigned, meaning 69 full-time equivalent job losses would now be needed for it to meet its target. The union said university management had failed to respond to concerns its members had raised, beyond offering "mainly cosmetic" remedies. In the HSE referral submitted on 5 June, the union described the situation as a "total health and safety crisis". It said some members had reported suffering from mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts, struggling in their caring duties or worrying about their pregnancy due to anxiety. It said the Academic Futures process, to be considered by the University Council on 17 June, was "an unfolding and comprehensive disaster for staff health, university workload, day to day operations, and academic community". In March, a union questionnaire - which was sent to more than 1,500 members across the university and received 197 responses - highlighted cuts had "negatively affected" the health and wellbeing of staff, it said. Experiences reported by union members included anxiety and depression, not sleeping or eating properly, nausea, panic attacks, weight loss, stomach problems, lack of clear thinking and concentration, exhaustion, increased heart rate and blood pressure, struggling with caring duties, drinking, taking medication, taking sick leave, and feeling suicidal. One respondent wrote: "I considered having an abortion as a result of the panic". One staff member said they had "felt suicidal more than once over the last few weeks", while another described the support on offer from the university as "woeful". The latest update on cuts does not prevent compulsory redundancies beyond 2025, and the UCU has called on the university to go a step further and bring the remaining staff out of the "scope for redundancy" category. It added it wanted to see bosses write an all-staff communication "acknowledging the crisis and taking full responsibility for the consequences of choices made during the cuts process", as well as "addressing staff mental health as a matter of urgency and invest considerably more resources in mental health and wellbeing support". It said it acknowledged the university's wellbeing team was "overstretched", but added it had not seen any signs this issue would "be addressed in a concrete way". "Given what we have found about the impacts of Academic Futures on staff health, we are very concerned that over 400 people are still in scope for redundancy. "Management's current plan, up for consideration by the University Council next week, allows for them to be left at risk for years to come," the union said. "This is a recipe for disaster that could mean the nightmarish findings of our survey may become the new normal. "Quite frankly, this could be a matter of life and death." Cardiff University said the institution understood the impact the last few months had had on colleagues, adding it faced "significant challenges to our sustainability" which had "necessitated some very difficult decisions". It said the questionnaire results "make for difficult reading", adding: "Following further meetings with UCU, a draft action plan has been developed at pace, in collaboration with our trade unions. "We are listening and are committed to working in partnership with the trade unions on actions to address specific points, to improve wellbeing for all members of our community and to ensure we continue to provide timely communication." They said the university was "surprised" by the referral but would "provide any information required by the HSE". If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can visitBBC Action Line.
Uni job cuts a health and safety crisis, union says
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Cardiff University Job Cuts Lead to Union's Health and Safety Concerns"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Cardiff University is facing a severe backlash from its staff following announced job cuts, which the Cardiff University and College Union (UCU) has labeled a "total health and safety crisis." The union has reported the university's Executive Board to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), citing a significant breakdown of trust and morale among employees. Initially, the university indicated that 400 jobs were at risk as part of its cost-saving measures, which included cutting some courses. However, the university later adjusted its stance, promising that there would be no compulsory redundancies this year. Despite this, the situation remains dire as 151 staff members have voluntarily resigned, leading to a need for 69 full-time equivalent job losses to meet the university's targets. The UCU claims that the university's management has inadequately addressed the concerns raised by staff, offering what they describe as "mainly cosmetic" solutions rather than substantial support. The union's referral to the HSE detailed alarming accounts of mental health struggles among staff, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, exacerbated by the uncertainty surrounding their jobs.
The UCU has conducted a survey revealing that nearly half of the respondents reported negative impacts on their health and wellbeing due to the proposed cuts. Members have expressed feelings of panic, exhaustion, and a lack of concentration, with one individual even contemplating abortion due to the stress of the situation. The union is urging the university to take concrete steps to alleviate the crisis, including removing remaining staff from the redundancy scope and significantly enhancing mental health support resources. Cardiff University acknowledged the challenges posed by recent months and the difficult decisions that had to be made. They have committed to working with the UCU to develop an action plan aimed at improving staff wellbeing. The university expressed surprise at the UCU's referral to the HSE and pledged to cooperate fully with any inquiries. However, the union remains skeptical, emphasizing that the current management plan poses ongoing risks to the mental health of staff, warning that the troubling findings of their survey could become the new normal if urgent action is not taken.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report on job cuts at Cardiff University highlights significant concerns regarding staff wellbeing and safety following the planned layoffs. This situation reflects broader issues related to mental health in academic environments, particularly as financial pressures mount. The union's strong statements and the referral to the Health and Safety Executive indicate a critical response to management practices that may be perceived as neglectful of employee welfare.
Union Response and Employee Sentiment
The union's assertion of a "total health and safety crisis" suggests a deepening rift between university administration and staff. The report indicates that mental health issues have surged among employees, with alarming symptoms such as anxiety and suicidal thoughts reported. The union's actions signal a collective pushback against management decisions perceived as harmful, indicating a significant breakdown in trust.
Management's Position and Actions
Cardiff University has pledged to avoid compulsory redundancies, which indicates an effort to mitigate backlash. However, the union argues that measures taken so far have been inadequate, describing them as "mainly cosmetic." This discrepancy highlights a potential gap in communication and understanding between the university's leadership and its staff regarding the impact of job cuts.
Public Perception and Potential Implications
The narrative surrounding this situation may foster a perception of negligence on the part of the university administration, which could alienate prospective students and faculty. The union's position may resonate with broader public sentiments around job security and mental health, especially in educational institutions where the emphasis on wellbeing is increasingly scrutinized.
Potential Economic and Political Consequences
If the situation escalates, it could lead to labor disputes or strikes, which may disrupt university operations and affect student enrollment. This could have economic repercussions not just for Cardiff University but for the local economy as well, given the university's role as a significant employer.
Target Audience and Community Support
The article likely targets academic staff, current students, and potential applicants, aiming to garner support for the union's position. The focus on mental health issues may resonate particularly with younger audiences who prioritize workplace wellbeing.
Market Impact and Financial Considerations
While the news may not directly affect stock markets, it could influence investments related to educational institutions. Stakeholders may reconsider their involvement with universities perceived to be mishandling employee welfare, potentially impacting funding and support.
Geopolitical Context and Relevance
This situation reflects broader trends in higher education, especially in times of economic uncertainty. The focus on mental health and employee welfare is increasingly relevant in today’s societal context, where institutions are held to higher standards regarding staff treatment.
Use of AI in News Production
There is no clear evidence that AI was used in the creation of this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they might have influenced language usage to emphasize emotional aspects of staff experiences, possibly steering the narrative towards a more sympathetic view of the union's claims.
In summary, the report on Cardiff University’s job cuts raises significant concerns about employee wellbeing and institutional trust. The narrative crafted by the union seeks to highlight critical issues that could resonate with a wider audience, potentially leading to broader discussions about mental health in the workplace. The reliability of this report hinges on the accurate representation of employee sentiments and the university's response to these allegations.