College set to axe jobs

9:03am Thursday 15th May 2008

STAFF at Somerset College, in Taunton, are bracing themselves for a raft of redundancies.

The County Gazette understands it could affect as many as 165 full- and part-time lecturers and support staff, although the college refused to confirm numbers.

A union boss has reacted angrily, accusing the college of failing to consult properly.

Principal Rachel Davies has been involved in behind-the-scenes meetings for some time as part of a "full review of operations".

An announcement is being made tomorrow (Friday) at the post-16 college off Wellington Road.

A spokeswoman said: "The college aims to become the provider of choice in skills and higher education in Somerset and the wider region.

"There has been a full review of operations and an announcement is being made to staff this Friday on the results of this review.

"Redundancies are likely to be amongst the measures taken, which are needed to achieve a really outstanding college that provides the very best teaching and learning in the region.

"This is the beginning of the consultation period for those involved.

"It is anticipated that only a handful of courses are affected by these changes.

"Students and other stakeholders are being kept fully informed.

"It remains business as usual as the college continues its ongoing teaching, learning and training work with employers, employees and young people."

But UNISON branch secretary Nigel Behan said: "We're unhappy because we don't feel we've been properly consulted.

"However, we look forward to working with the employer to minimise any adverse impact on our members and to avoid compulsory redundancies."