PLANS to cut hundreds of jobs and close degree courses at Cardiff University have been scaled back, with nursing expected to be spared.

University vice-chancellor Professor Wendy Larner announced today that dozens of staff are no longer at risk of redundancy following consultations with unions.

She said “alternative proposals” have been put forward, with the School of Nursing expected to be saved from closure, and chemistry and maths staff removed “from the in-scope pool.”

The plans are part of a consultation and subject to future changes.

The university announced plans to make 400 staff – around 7 per cent of the workforce – redundant and reduce a number of degree courses, including nursing, in January.

The number has now been reduced to 286, with a number of staff having already opted for voluntary redundancy.

In a letter to staff today, Prof Larner said an “alternative proposal” had been put forward, which would see the university retain adult, child and mental health nursing.

However, a smaller number of undergraduates will be recruited.

The alternative proposal requires the approval of the Welsh government, the NHS and Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Voluntary redundancy applications in the School of Healthcare Sciences have also been paused.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) welcomed the announcement but warned more nurses were needed in the Welsh NHS.

RCN Wales executive director Helen Whyley said: “Cardiff University’s decision to keep its nursing provision is absolutely the right thing to do.

“The RCN vehemently opposed the proposed closure, which would have had a devastating impact on nurse staffing levels, the education of future nurses, and the quality of patient care across Wales.”

A Cardiff UCU statement warned the alternative plan is “not good enough” and called it “unforgivable that so many of our members remain in fear for their livelihoods.”