Mass walkout as staff see red over cuts

HUNDREDS of students joined lecturers from Telford College in a mass walkout to campaign against proposed cuts, which would see at least 65 full-time jobs lost and the loss of its language school.

Lecturers said they were furious about the scale of the cuts, forced on the college by a reduction in government funding.

Further action is likely, and teaching staff admitted a full strike was a possibility unless the college agreed to look at options other than redundancy.

The action came as more details emerged of how the college plans to save 1.8 million from its budget in the next year.

Worst hit is the languages department, which would see the English School of Language shut, with the loss of around eight staff - despite lecturers saying it is one of the most popular and valued courses.

Proposals have also been drawn up to scale back the veterinary science school, with the loss of two jobs, while courses in business, events and plumbing have also been lined for cuts.

The demonstration at the West Granton Road campus attracted noisy support from passing motorists, while protesters dressed in red to show the Scottish Government they wanted to "show cuts the red card".

There was widespread anger amongst the group over the handling of the cuts by college principal Miles Dibsdall OBE, who was accused of failing to listen to ideas and ignoring suggestions to cut "perks" such as plants in the college grounds and free coffee for lecturers.

Karin Gardener, EIS branch secretary and a lecturer at the language school, said: "It makes no sense to cut back this department, as we are already bringing in more money in fees than it costs to run the school. The students are devastated, to be honest, because for those from overseas it just seems like they aren't wanted.

"We have a waiting list of 180 students, so to say these classes aren't popular is ridiculous.

"There are other ways to save this money. If it came to it, there is certainly support for a strike."

Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North and Leith, was there to show his support for the protest.

He said: "There is a great concern that the scale of the cuts is too severe.

"To lose so many teaching staff seems excessive."

College principal Mr Dibsdall said: "I am 100 per cent in support of the rally against cuts which have been imposed on us by the government.

"We are undertaking a consultation phase on the courses which have been identified as being under review as a result of these cuts."