A UNION has hit out at plans to axe 65 jobs at St Helens and Knowsley College, including the closure of its 14-16 Academy.

The University and College Union (UCU) has reacted angrily to news of plans to axe 65 staff at the SK College Group.

The union says the proposed job losses come just a year after 85 positions went at the college’s sites following the merger of St Helens and Knowsley colleges.

The cuts also include plans for the closure of the 14-16 Academy in St Helens.

The college has confirmed that the facility will undergo a phased closure by the summer of 2020.

The 14-16 Academy will remain fully operational for current year 10 and 11 students but will not accept any new year 10 students in September 2019.

The college said the decision to close the 14-16 Academy was not made lightly and follows a "national trend" of "a lack of interest for this type of provision".

The UCU claimed that the latest round of job cuts, less than 18 months after the merger, represented "a failure of college management" and "posed a serious threat to educational opportunities in the region".

It added the cuts are "creating uncertainty for students and staff" as the college "has not given any details on the areas in which it is looking to make cutbacks".

UCU says its members are due to meet to discuss their response to the news.

Regional official at the UCU Martyn Moss said: "Less than 18 months on from a merger the college said would bring stability it has announced a second round of job losses.

"Cuts of this magnitude would have a serious impact on the college’s ability to deliver educational opportunities for students in the region.

"Government cuts to further education are a disgrace, especially at a time when we should be investing in the skills the country needs, but that doesn’t excuse knee-jerk cuts from colleges.

"The uncertainty hanging over staff and students is incredibly worrying and we will be fighting against compulsory job losses and increases in workloads."

A spokesperson for SK College Group said: “It is with regret that SK College Group announced the need to consult on potential staff efficiencies. Sadly and unsurprisingly, the further education sector continues to be challenging, and regional and national trends show a significant decline in FE recruitment within a range of areas.

"These national trends have affected the College Group, and whilst we have maintained recruitment levels in many areas of College provision, we need to continuously evaluate and respond to the difficult environment in which we are operating.

"SK College Group has issued formal notification and a formal consultation process has now commenced with all staff and Trade Unions.

"A voluntary redundancy programme has been offered, and SK College Group anticipates that many, if not all of the required savings, will be achieved via this method; maximising redeployment opportunities wherever possible.

"Demographics within our recruitment area are at an all-time low, and the competitive environment continues to be highly aggressive and over saturated.

"National trends for the uptake of apprentices by employers shows a significant downward trend, and when combined with the national decline in adult loans and increasing competition from universities, SK College Group needs to address this significant shift in the market.

"We will, however, continue to promote and provide the broad and inclusive curriculum that we have always offered, providing there is sufficient demand.

"Our students will not be adversely affected and we are committed to continuing to invest in our quality processes and developing our curriculum to ensure we continue to provide the very best student experience.”