The University of South Wales (USW), which has a large campus in the centre of Newport near the River Usk, is aiming to reduce its workforce through voluntary redundancies as part of efforts to manage “rising operating costs.”
A university spokesperson said: “Like many universities we are responding to sector-wide difficulties including declining participation rates, rising operating costs, and changes in policy relating to international students.
“As a result we have had to consider how we can reduce our overall cost base whilst developing targeted opportunities for growth.
“Following careful consideration we have now opened a voluntary redundancy programme for our professional services colleagues and colleagues in targeted academic areas.
“We have been open with colleagues about the scale of change – we are seeking to reduce our workforce by approximately 200 roles.”
They continued: “This programme is entirely voluntary. We have agreed an enhanced redundancy offer for the VR programme, in consultation with our trade unions, reflecting our genuine commitment to minimising compulsory measures wherever possible.
“We understand the uncertainty this news will bring to our community.
“This is not a decision we take lightly and is driven by the aim to protect our long-term financial sustainability.”
The job losses come amid a wider funding crisis across the UK university sector, driven by increasing costs, falling student numbers, and policy changes affecting international recruitment.
Across the UK, more than 13,000 university jobs were lost last year, with more than £300 million spent on severance.
Those cuts were a result of frozen tuition fees, inflation, and declining international student enrolment.
Welsh universities collectively recorded losses of around £94 million in the 2023/24 academic year.
The spokesman said: “We are now in a consultation period with colleagues and trade unions as we work through delivering the change that is required whilst remaining committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, advancing high-impact research, and safeguarding the future of our institution as Wales’s leading widening participation university.”
USW’s most recent redundancies follow earlier staff reductions in 2024 and 2025.
The University of South Wales is a major employer in south-east Wales and any significant job losses are expected to affect surrounding communities and businesses.
