Union protests as University of South Wales slashes £142,000 from childcare service
GMB joined children, parents and staff in protest as the University or South Wales slashed £142,000 funding from its nursery scheme.
South Wales Play Centre could now be forced to close – putting students’ education and university jobs under threat.
Closing the play centre would also have a disproportionate effect on female workers – many of whom are already facing job cuts in administration roles as part of the universities efficiency savings – as well as adult learners who chose USW because of their excellent childcare facility.
The service – shortlisted for a national award last year – has been a vital part of student and staff lives for decades.
GMB joined the demo at 10am this morning [Wednesday April 5] which saw dozens of parents children and staff march though the campus.
Nicola Savage, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“The South Wales Play Centre is a vital lifeline for so many mums and dads – allowing them to study or take jobs otherwise unavailable to them due to their parental responsibilities.
“Not only would the nursery’s closure be a tragedy for them – it would be a terrible loss for the wider community.
“GMB had joined the protest today to urge the University of South Wales to reconsider this unfair and damaging course of action.”
