Job losses are proposed at K College campuses including Tonbridge

by Angela Cole

Union leaders are warning strike action has not been ruled out at a college where 145 job losses have been proposed.

K College has launched a 90-day consultation on the proposed job losses at its campuses in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Dover and Folkestone.

But members of the University and College Union (UCU), which is campaigning to save the posts and avoid compulsory redundancies, has demanded the threat be removed.

They are also calling for a full, transparent audit of the college's finances.

The union claims the plans leave the workforce of 1,032 people at risk of redundancy and come just two months after a previous reorganisation - supposed to secure the college's long-term viability - saw 50 jobs go.

In a letter to K College principal and chief executive Bill Fearon (pictured left), UCU makes it clear it is in a formal dispute with the college and, although it remains open to negotiations, strike action has not been ruled out.

The union said the large number of job losses is not justified and pointed to other colleges' abilities to deal with funding shortfalls without such drastic action.

UCU said if another 145 jobs were to go, there would be ramifications for the quality of education the college could deliver - with the remaining staff members having increased workloads.

UCU regional support official Adam Lincoln said: "We are unconvinced by the rationale from K College that another 145 jobs need to go.

"Over 50 jobs were lost as part of a reorganisation that finished just two months ago, with the stated aim of securing the long-term viability of the college.

"These hasty new proposals, that involve the axing of around 200 staff in a single year, would have huge ramifications for the local area in terms of the quality of education K College is able to deliver.

"We are not seeking confrontation, but we must defend the education service the college provides not just for now, but for the future. Strike action has not been ruled out and we want to see a proper transparent audit of the college's finances."

Low demand for some courses with small class sizes has been blamed for some of the job losses, as well as government cuts to subsidies for adult education courses.

It is claimed public funding does not reflect the new five-campus situation.

The college is also making savings in overtime, advertising, agency staff and consultants, staff development, travel and other allowances.

It is also ending a contract with Benenden Healthcare and replacing paper payslips with electronic ones. Staff have also been invited to suggest other cost-cutting measures.