CAMPAIGNERS have accused Swansea University of backtracking on a commitment to cut its careers and recruitment ties with fossil fuel companies.

Swansea became the seventh British university to exclude the industry from its activities in 2023, following an 18-month campaign by students and staff as part of the nationwide Fossil Free Careers campaign, co-ordinated by student-led charity People & Planet.

More than 10 more universities have since made similar commitments, with the campaign backed by the National Union of Students and the University and College Union.

Campaigners say the university has now removed pledges from its ethical careers policy not to “knowingly devise marketing campaigns advertising roles which contribute to the detrimental effects of the fossil fuels, mining, arms and tobacco industries” and to exclude oil, gas and tar sands companies from careers fairs and employer events.

The U-turn follows one of the hottest Junes on record, with the Met Office estimating more than 2,700 excess heat-related deaths in May and June.

People & Planet’s Josie Mizen said: “After months of deadly heatwaves, it is absolutely shameful that Swansea University has backslid on its commitment not to work with the industry most responsible for the climate crisis.

“This decision tells students and staff loud and clear that their futures, their communities and the planet they live on matter less than their university’s cosy relationship with an industry that puts profit ahead of people’s lives.”

A university staff member said: “Considering Swansea prides itself on positively impacting the ‘health, wealth, culture, and wellbeing of a global society,’ this feels like a step in the opposite direction.

“I hope that the university will reconsider this decision.”

A spokesperson for Swansea University told the Star: “Following extensive consultation, and as part of the accreditation framework for our Career Service, Swansea University has updated its Ethical Careers Policy to reflect our commitment to supporting students to develop the skills, experience and confidence needed for the workplaces of the future.

“The University is committed to providing impartial careers support, enabling students and graduates to make informed decisions about their future careers based on their own interests, values and aspirations.

“We offer a diverse range of employability opportunities and engagement with employers across multiple sectors, while encouraging students to develop their own ethical perspectives and act as agents of positive change.

“Swansea University has a longstanding legacy of applying its research and innovation strengths to address some of the most pressing challenges facing society. Our membership of the Defence Universities Alliance reflects the breadth of our expertise and creates new opportunities for collaboration, skills development and innovation.

“Alongside other member universities, we are committed to working in partnership to develop the talent, technologies and solutions that support the UK’s future security, resilience and prosperity.”