South Staffs College shedding 70 jobs

A Staffordshire college is cutting 70 teaching jobs across its four campuses, it was announced today. South Staffordshire College will shed lecturer's jobs.

They will go at its Cannock, Lichfield, Rodbaston and Tamworth campuses after bosses said a funding cut created the need to make savings. They are in talks with trade unions over cuts.

Graham Morley, chief executive principal, said: "One of the measures we need to consider is an assessment of staffing levels.

"Our team of around 1,350 staff is our most valued asset but regrettably we have entered a period of consultation with regards to possible redundancies.

"We are currently in discussions with recognised trade unions to consider every opportunity to mitigate redundancies but at this time expect that our workforce will be reduced by around 70 full time equivalent posts.

"Any redundancies will include those sought on a voluntary basis. The vision of South Staffordshire College remains to be world-class and we shall continue to offer our learners a range of courses and a quality of teaching that we believe is unequalled in this area."

They hoped to complete consultation by the start of the new academic year in 2010.

The four campuses can accommodate up to 20,000 full- and part-time students.