Jobs at risk in £2m South Staffordshire College cuts
Jobs are at risk at a college after bosses announced they were facing a £2 million black hole next year.
South Staffordshire College has opened talks with 450 workers, asking them if they want to take voluntary redundancy.
But the college said it was too early to say if there would be enforced job losses, or how many posts would be affected and in which areas.
The college, which has campuses in Cannock, Penkridge, Lichfield and Tamworth, faces substantial funding reductions from September. Bosses said they will need to find at least £2m.
They have also warned of potential deeper decreases in government money in the future.
The college has also blamed law changes for impacting operating costs, as well as expectations from outside bodies, including local enterprise partnerships for its financial problems.
A spokesman for the college said: "Maintenance of good financial health is vital for the college.
"We need to reduce our operating costs and ensure there is a robust financial base to allow the college to grow to respond to the needs of learners, employers and stakeholders.
"We have informed staff that we are launching a two-year Transformational Change Programme so that we can address current and future funding reductions in a proactive way, which will totally re-shape and sustain the college for the future."
The college will be reviewing job roles and the curriculum. But despite the latest development, bosses have stated they have been making progress with 'smarter ways' to operate to reduce costs.
Staff and union representatives have until July 31 to air their views.
The spokesman added: "The college is working with trade unions and staff to explore options to achieve these changes, including voluntary redundancy, so at this stage it is premature to speculate as to the number of staff likely to be affected.
"The college will meet the challenges of successive funding cuts in a way that does not compromise our commitment to delivering excellent standards in learning and teaching as we move forward."
Last week the Express & Star revealed the possibility of job losses at Stafford College as it too anticipated funding reductions.
