GMB ANGER OVER UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES SHOCKING NURSERY STAFF SELL OFF

Staff at the creche cannot understand how their proposals have been simply cast aside
GMB has slammed the University of South Wales for its decision set to sell off staff working at the University’s popular creche facility based at the Treforest Campus.
The facility provides vital nursery places to 100 children from the local community, staff and students, who have campaigned vigorously since March this year after the University threatened closure.
The campaign has been supported by MP Owen Smith and AM Mick Antoniw in recognition of the vital services the creche provides.
The University had stated that it wished to withdraw a £142,000 subsidy from the facility, and at a meeting held yesterday (3rd July) staff were told the shocking news the self-funding models provided by staff as an alternative to closure of the creche were not considered a viable option.
Nicola Savage, GMB Regional Officer, said:
“We believe that there was never a desire to close the nursery, and naturally when staff were told that their proposals were not viable as a cost neutral alternative the decision to privatise to a nursery chain has caused much distress.
“Staff at the nursery cannot understand how their proposals have been simply cast aside when clearly there are significant profits to be made.
“Parents have made it very clear the value they place on the nursery and its staff and have demonstrated in two public rallies and a petition.
“Many parents have written to the University, MP’s and AM’s in support of the staff, and will be upset by this news.
“We are more than happy to work with the University to assist in maintaining an in-house service.
“Typically, outsourcing of services has a significant and detrimental effect on staff terms and conditions where the main source of profit will be made from driving down staff salaries as soon as the private company is able.
“This impacts our members, the public purse and our economy and is simply unacceptable.
“GMB and staff have complained that our members have not been involved in the decision to privatise, and that there has been insufficient consultation with staff when so much is at stake.”