JOBS are “highly likely” to be lost at Aberystwyth University as the institution needs to take “immediate action” to reduce costs, the new vice-chancellor has warned just weeks into her reign.

Prof Elizabeth Treasure only began her job in April, but has already left staff feeling uncertain after being forced to warn of cuts that will reach £11.4m over the next two years.

In a letter to all staff on 28 April, seen by the Cambrian News, Prof Treasure said unions will be consulted, but said “it cannot be ruled out that this reduction in costs may include the need to make redundancies”.

“At this stage, we have not formulated any specific or detailed plans that indicate precisely which posts might be affected by redundancy,” Prof Treasure told staff. “However, we are clear that the university will need to significantly reduce its costs in 2017-18 and 2018-19 and this is likely to include staffing costs.

“Regrettably, redundancies are highly likely unless we can identify alternative solutions to resolve the budget deficit.”

Prof Treasure also said that the university will reopen the enhanced voluntary redundancy scheme and is encouraging staff to step forward for voluntary redundancy and voluntary early retirement, as well as inviting staff “to consider a reduction in hours or a change to their annual pattern of work to reduce the number of weeks they work” in a bid to shed costs.

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