Almost 90 jobs at West Cheshire College are at risk as a result of Government cuts to adult education, it has been confirmed.

Staff at both Ellesmere Port and Handbridge campuses of the college were informed yesterday (Wednesday, May 20) that the future of 88 posts across academic, management and business support were uncertain as the institution looks to make reductions in expenditure of around £1.37m.

The news comes after David Cameron's new Conservative Government announced a £1m funding cut in core funding for adult education for the forthcoming academic year.

The college has now embarked on a 30-day consultation period with staff and recognised trade unions and plans to have fully implemented any changes before the start of the new academic year in September.

Nigel Davies, West Cheshire College's principal and chief executive, said: “It is extremely regrettable that we have had to make this difficult decision in response to our current financial position and Government funding cuts.

“We are currently working hard to mitigate job losses as much as possible through offering voluntary severance and redundancy, as well as ensuring redeployment opportunities are maximised.

“We continue to play a central role in up-skilling people in the region and, in response to these changes in funding, we are also conducting a comprehensive curriculum review. This will ensure we deliver courses that fulfill our core function of meeting the regional and local skills and educational priorities."

He added: “Throughout this period of change, we will seek to manage the process as supportively as is possible, in order to minimise the impact on staff as well as maintaining our front line services."

"The developments form part of the college’s ongoing financial recovery plan to ensure an effective and sustainable college for the future that delivers excellent skills development and training for young people, adults and employers.

"Please be assured that the college will continue to operate as normal and that students remain our number one priority, continuing to receive the excellent quality of provision they expect.”