by Jess Hannagan-Jones

Hundreds gathered outside the Senedd this afternoon to protest against the planned cuts to higher education. It comes after Cardiff University announced proposals to axe some courses.

Union representatives, students and lecturers united in their anger at the move which could result in the loss of around 400 jobs. 

Their fears of damage to further education in Wales in the short term and negative ramifications to the Welsh economy in the long term were echoed by Lynne Hackett, lead for further and higher education for Unison.

She said “We are really concerned.

“What we want is a social partnership with Welsh Government and other unions to keep the money in the sector, to create the opportunity for jobs and more importantly growth for the Welsh economy.”

With courses including nursing and music under threat, there are concerns that there could be serious impact on related industries.

Third year nursing student at Cardiff University, Tasmin Staples, said: “It’s important we support this because as student nurses we are the future.”

“The system is already stretched as it is,” she added.

Colleague and fellow student Samah Taylor said: “This is our time to speak up, we need change.

“Yet again we are undervalued as a profession”.

Cardiff University says the cuts are necessary because of a £30m budget shortfall.

The city’s other universities, the University of South Wales and Cardiff Metropolitan University, have already seen a wave of redundancies, as well as cuts in other universities in Wales.

Universities Wales reports a projected £70m deficit for 2023-4 for the Welsh sector.

The Welsh Government has so far suggested there is no more money for universities.

Plaid Cymru’s education spokesperson, Cefin Campbell, spoke for the many gathered at the protest today as he said: “We cannot allow our universities to wither on the line”.