AN Aberystwyth University-run nursery is under threat of closure.

A Unison spokesperson told the Cambrian News that a letter received by the two dozen staff at the loss-making Penglais nursery outlining the plans was “absolute devastating”.

Staff were asked to take a 10 per cent across the board pay cut last year as talks over the future of the nursery, opened just four years ago.

A consultation took place over the future of the nursery, with options including reducing staff or charging up to £50 a day for its services after figures revealed the nursery haemorrhaged £146,000 during 2013/14.

In a consultation, staff were offered the choice of a 10 per cent pay cut, voluntary severance or redeployment within the university as plans to close the nursery were made.

The spokesperson said that a letter to staff from pro vice-chancellor Rebecca Davies had sealed that the nursery was to be closed and that “despite a year and a half talks” that was “the end of it”.

“These have been very difficult talks,” Ms Jones said.

“Staff taking voluntary redundancy and being redeployed is confirmation that it is closing.”

In her letter to staff, Ms Davies said she has “been tasked with delivering a zero deficit budget for the nursery provision for 2016/17” and would be meeting with staff this month to “meaningfully discuss” options.

“I would like to thank you, and all of the staff, for the way in which you have engaged with us and I acknowledge how difficult this time has been for you all,” Ms Davies wrote.

But the university insisted this week that “no decision” has been taken.

A spokesperson said: “The university is in the process of putting the budget for 16/17 together, which will be approved by council by the end of June.

“Our Finance and Strategy Committee will be further considering the draft budget to give council a recommendation.

“The level set for the nursery budget will determine the level of service we can provide during 2016/17.”

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