Cardiff University strikes called off as job cuts paused

Bethan Lewis

Education and family correspondent, BBC Wales

Alamy Outdoor stairs leading up to a grand university building. The steps are wet, as though it has recently rained. There are a few students, dressed casually and carrying bags, walking up the stairs. In the forefront of the image is a Cardiff University sign, which is white and red. — The UCU had previously warned of a „summer of chaos“ if the university did not back down on planned cuts

Planned strike action at Cardiff University has been called off after a pledge there will be no compulsory job losses this year, the BBC has been told.

Members of the University and College Union (UCU) have approved a deal which was reached after discussions between unions and university management in a special meeting on Thursday.

The agreement does not rule out job losses beyond 2025 and a consultation over proposed cuts in some departments will continue, with details finalised in June.

It comes after the union warned there would be a „summer of chaos“ if the university did not back down on its proposed slashing of staff and courses.

Eights strike days and an indefinite marking and assessment boycott, due to start on 6 May, were scheduled last month.

The first strike action, timetabled for 1 May, was previously suspended after it was agreed the university and unions would hold discussions.

Industrial action as part of a UK-wide dispute in 2023 caused significant disruption and meant many students were not able to graduate for months after finishing their courses.

The university has said it was able to suspend compulsory redundancies for this calendar year „because of the number of applications for voluntary redundancy currently received“.

Last month it updated the number of proposed job losses from 400 to 286, taking into account staff who had opted to leave voluntarily.

At the same time it said a controversial proposal to close the nursing department could be replaced by a new plan which would mean the university would carry on training student nurses.

But proposals to close the schools of music, modern languages, ancient history and religion and theology remain on the table, as well as plans to merge other departments.

Cardiff University student Cara, 23, said strikes being called off was a relief

A girl with long light brown hair, wearing a blue sleeveless top and silver neckless and smiling while looking at the camera. — Cardiff University student Cara, 23, said strikes being called off was a relief

Cara, 23, who studies medicine at the university, said it was „nice“ to hear the strikes had been cancelled, but she hoped staff had „got the deal that they’re after“.

Meanwhile, politics and journalism student Amelia, 21, said she „completely empathised“ with the departments at risk of cuts, but said strikes and other industrial action could be „really disheartening“ for students who had worked hard and should be a „last resort“.

Fflur Evans, 20, added she felt the university had dealt with the situation „unprofessionally“ and „cruelly“.

„My lecturers have been there for me so much, and I’d like to think that we as students would be there for them too,“ said the ancient history student.

„I think it’s important that we stand with our lecturers.“