
National Insurance rise costs Welsh universities 18m a year
The increase in employer contributions has led to higher expenses and deepened financial challenges in the higher education sector.
The party said the additional cost is forcing universities to make difficult decisions, including staff cuts and course closures.
David Chadwick, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP, said: "Labour's jobs tax is yet another blow to Welsh universities, coming at a time when they're already facing mounting financial challenges.
"It's completely unacceptable that Welsh universities are now being saddled with millions in extra costs just to meet a tax increase that could and should have been avoided."
Cardiff University faces the largest impact, with a £6.7 million rise in annual National Insurance costs.
Swansea University will see an additional £3.5 million in employer contributions.
Universities have said the increase came as a surprise and has placed further strain on finances.
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