University of South Wales opens

There are fears that the merger of two Welsh universities could result in future job losses among nearly four thousand staff.

The University of Wales Newport and Glamorgan have been renamed the University of South Wales from today.

One union has told ITV News' Megan Boot that there will be job losses.

The Vice Chancellor of the new University of South Wales has told ITV News that while there may be a 'small drop' in staff numbers, there won't be any compulsory redundancies.

Julie Lydon made the comments in response to union concerns about job security.

The institution was formed by the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport and will teach 33,500 students at five campuses.

Speaking to journalists at the launch she said that the "staff make the place."

The new Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales says that the new institution will continue to offer a 'good quality student experience' and give them 'every opportunity for employment.'

Julie Lydon told ITV News that they will use all five campuses to offer quality education for more than 30,000 students.

The University of South Wales opens its doors today. The new establishment is a result of a merger between the University of Wales, Newport and the University of Glamorgan.

The University of South Wales has 35,000 students and is among the top ten biggest campus universities in the UK.