IBERS redundancies cut by half to 35

A feared 70 redundancies at IBERS (Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences) at Capel Dewi near Aberystwyth is now finalised at 35 after involvement from Assembly Member Elin Jones and a campaign by students. Although good news, it has to be remembered this still can't be fun for the 35.

The Facebook group ‘Aber Students against cuts to IBERS’ has posted the following closing message:

"It now appears that the redundancies and cuts proposed for IBERS at Aberystwyth University have been finalised and implemented, with only 35 redundancies of the original 70 being made.

"This group was started to allow people to register their objections to the proposed cuts which at first outlined a significant number of teaching positions to be cut and also at the frustration and anxiety caused by the conflicting information released by the University’s senior management team.

"Though it took the University a while to fully start to engage with and listen to students, I think through the Facebook group and the petition presented to the University’s Council, we really did have an effect on the University’s attitude during the whole process.

"It was always my intention to close down the ‘Aber Students Against Cuts to IBERS’ Facebook group when I felt its existence was no longer necessary, and this message is just to let you all know that I will be closing the group down from now.

"I do hope that this whole process has brought about a sea change in the attitude of the University towards student engagement, as they can see how effective the Guild of Students is at lobbying, and how passionate and committed Aberystwyth Students are when the quality of their education is threatened."