ABOUT 50 jobs will go at West Cheshire College which has bases in Chester and Ellesmere Port.

A total of 34 staff have opted for voluntary redundancy at the further education college while ‘less than 20’ others are facing compulsory redundancy.

The college won’t say which posts are affected but The Chronicle understands the job losses involve both lecturing and administration staff as part of a restructure.

Regional official Lynn Collins, of the University and College Union, said: “All colleges are facing cuts to their funding and this inevitably means some considering cutting jobs.

“We are clear that any reductions in staff, either lecturers or the staff that support students in colleges will impact on the quality of education delivered and the choice of courses available.

“Our concern is not just for the jobs of our members but for the future opportunities for the young people and adults who rely on their local college to improve their life chances.”

College governors do not appear to have been informed about the job losses.

A college spokeswoman said in a statement: “Like many public sector organisations, West Cheshire College is having to become more efficient in the light of public spending cuts and changes within educational funding.

“We are currently going through a redundancy process. Thirty-four people have chosen to take voluntary redundancy and it is likely that less than 20 people will be made compulsorily redundant at the end of this process.

“The college is taking every effort to support those members of staff affected.”

The University of Chester recently warned staff up to 25 jobs could go and that 44 fixed term contracts are unlikely to be renewed.