Careers Wales cuts could pile pressure on teachers

Unison says it is writing to schools to warn them of the possible impact of cuts to the advisory service Careers Wales.

The organisation, which last year employed around 1,000 staff, lost around 100 people to voluntary redundancy in August – and a further 150 are under threat of losing their jobs now.

All six of the Careers Wales advisory centres are in the process of amalgamating into one company, Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa.

Jeff Baker, Unison regional organiser for Careers Wales, said a reduced advisory staff would mean only a fraction of 11 to 16-year-olds receiving a personal interview with advisors.

“The schools will have to prioritise who they want to look after,” he said. “They will also have to make arrangements for work experience – careers companies used to find and visit places in the local area, but all that’s going. In my view, there will be extra pressure on teachers and admin staff – or both.”