JOBS are under threat at Newport’s university as it tries to bridge a projected £2 million funding gap for 2011/12.

Trade Union UNISON claims more than 100 people are at risk of redundancy at the University of Wales, Newport, with up to 236 posts affected by proposals to merge some departments.

The institution, which employs 1,400 people, has invited staff to consider voluntary redundancy and voluntary early retirement under plans to cut management and administrative costs.

The university is currently in talks with staff and unions for suggestions on where savings can be made.

Proposals, which are currently being consulted on, include reducing the university’s management board, merging two tiers of senior management into one and reducing senior management posts.

There are also plans to merge some schools bringing similar fields such as health, sport, social sciences, psychology and the sports centre under one of four proposed academic divisions. Administrative services could also be streamlined by bringing services currently spread across several locations under one roof.

The university says it needs to make the cuts because it will get £2 million less this year from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Limitations have also been imposed on the number of full time UK and oversees students it can recruit meaning it cannot make up the gap through student fees.

Vice chancellor Graham Rogers said the proposals sought to save money as well as creating a more relevant and effective university, meeting the needs of its students, the economy, the region and the nation.

But UNISON dubbed the consultation process a “sham” and claims some members of staff were advised they faced redundancy on Christmas Eve.

Regional Organiser, Andrew Woodman, said: “It is disgusting that hard working and loyal staff are being treated so inappropriately by their employer.”

“I have very real fears about what this may mean for the future of the university and for Newport,” he added.

A spokesman for the university said it was unable to estimate the number of posts facing redundancy and said although 236 post could be affected by any mergers, that figure did not take into account staff who would stay in posts after any restructure.