UNIONS say they will fight against compulsory redundancies after the merged St Helens and Knowsley Community College has revealed 50 jobs could be axed by July.

St Helens and Knowsley colleges formally merged on December 12 last year, trading as the SK College Group.

The Star has been made aware of a letter which has been sent to union representatives by chief executive of the College Group Dr Jette Burford dated January 23.

The correspondence provides "formal notice of potential staff redundancies" and says consultations will begin on the matter.

It says there are 50 potential redundancies adding it is anticipated that "five will be from management positions, 22 from academic staff and 23 from "business support areas".

The overall saving would be £1.8m, the letter adds.

The college cites reasons for the proposed redundancies stating "the last few years have been difficult for both colleges" and refers to reduced central government funding.

It adds as a result of the merger "you are already aware that a number of potential redundancies have previously been identified" and through the collective consultation process "we wish to discuss with you the proposed structures and proposed staffing requirements within departments".

The letter adds "enrolments in both colleges have not progressed as planned against original business planning targets and the newly-merged College Group is expecting a shortfall of 6.67 per cent, which equates to a £2.23m loss of income".

Individual consultation with people whose jobs are at risk will be conducted and the college says "appropriate steps to seek to avoid their dismissal" will be taken including "consideration of redeployment opportunities".

St Helens Star:

St Helens College's Water Street campus

The University and College Union (UCU) says it will also raise questions of why redundancies are coming so soon after the merger.

Regional official Martyn Moss said: “One of the main purposes of the recent merger was to improve financial sustainability, so there are questions to ask about how the college has found itself declaring redundancies amongst staff so soon after merger."

He added: "UCU is engaging with the college leadership to discuss the situation and will be opposing any compulsory redundancies.”

Dr Jette Burford, CEO of SK College Group said: “Announcing redundancies is always very difficult, however we are working closely with the trade unions and all our staff across both the Knowsley and St Helens campuses to minimise impact and offer support.

"We have already received significant interest in the enhanced Voluntary Redundancy scheme and anticipate being able to achieve much of the required savings through this.

"The proposals will not affect students or other customers as there will not be any significant changes in-year, it will be 'business as usual' and courses will continue to be delivered provided, as always, there is sufficient demand."

She added: "The redundancies are part of the merger plans to improve efficiencies and allow the College Group to reshape to meet new demands from students as well as employers. The College Group continues to invest in quality and curriculum development.

"This is evident by the excellent results which recently put St Helens College at the top of the league tables for A level progression amongst FE colleges on Merseyside.”