Universities should consider using reserves to save jobs – Minister

The minister responsible for higher education in Wales has asked universities to “consider all options”, including using their financial reserves, so that to prevent job loss.

In -charge of Welsh Sarkar, Vicky Hells announced another £ 19M for the higher education sector on Tuesday, Despite stating that no extra money was available earlier this month.

It comes after the post -confirmation of the University of South Wales that it will initiate a consultation to review its educational provision later this week and Cardiff University plans to cut 400 jobs.

However, critics have argued additional funds, which is capital cash for buildings, Wales’ higher education will not solve financial challenges.

In an interview with the Newydion S4C created by the BBC, Ms. Howles said that she wanted all the universities – including Cardiff – to consider using their reserves because others have successfully used them in the past.

However, the Cardiff University has earlier stated that the financial reserves are “not the same as money that can be spent independently”.

Ms. Howles said that she had already talked to Cardiff University Vice Chancellor Wendy Laner several times and was going to talk with her again on Thursday.

“I have really made it clear to every Vice Chancellor when I have met him personally and collectively that we want to see the loss of job in Welsh government as the last solution.

“Not all of them (reserves) are easily accessible, but I think it is something that each university should consider and other universities have done to reduce job loss in the past.”

Ms. Howles’ comments come after the announcement of another £ 19M for the higher education sector, which with £ 18.5M for property maintenance and digital projects to reduce operating costs.

He also said that another £ 500,000 would be given to “supporting international recruitment and promotional activities of Welsh universities”.

Earlier this month, after Ms. Howles, additional funding comes that no additional money was available for the sector.

In response, he said that “things move rapidly in politics” and extra money “did not have the money left from the education budget”.

“I’m really happy that I am able to pursue it for the sector.”

Despite additional funds, critics have argued that it will not face the major financial challenges faced by higher education in Wales.

The University of South Wales confirmed on Tuesday that it would initiate a consultation later on a week on reviewing the educational provision. It is expected that job loss will be announced.

Bangore University is also expected to underline schemes that can cause job loss on Wednesday.

Gareth Lloyd, Lecturers Union UCU Cymru said: “Unfortunately, and as long as we are grateful to the efforts of the ministers, the amount introduced will still not be enough to stabilize the sector”.

Cardiff University said that it is “hurry to say how this funding will affect the Cardiff University, but it will be considered in our comprehensive financial context.”