Telford principal gets vote of no confidence from staff

Staff and students protest against front-line cuts outside Telford college.

Union officials said they had lost trust in Miles Dibsdall after claims he backtracked on comments he made about future redundancies.

Up to 70 jobs are thought to be under threat as college bosses look to save 1.8 million in the next year following a reduction in government funding.

The college is also planning to cut courses in a variety of areas, including plumbing, welding, languages, and science.

Mike Cowley, convener of the EIS-Further Education Lecturers' Association (FELA) branch at the college, said the decision to pass a vote of no confidence in the principal had been done "reluctantly".

He said Mr Dibsdall had gone back on a comment that job losses would only happen as a result of the first year of government cuts and not in the following two years.

He said: "The principal assured us that the cuts were so draconian this year because there would not be any redundancies later on. That assurance was subsequently withdrawn. We are concerned that the reputation of the college is suffering and that the principal is not always speaking for the college.

"What we want really are discussions about his stewardship of the college, which we have lost confidence in. We're looking for some kind of sit-down with him".

The union added that the principal's approach to staff had left many feeling "disrespected and manipulated".

It is understood a ballot is now set to be held for possible strike action.

College principal Mr Dibsdall said: "I have always been upfront and honest about how the Government's cuts would impact on the college, which meant telling staff that we could not make any promises on no compulsory redundancies now or in the future. That would have been unfair and unrealistic. I have never deviated from seeking to be open in all our dealings with staff.

"We are still in the consultation period which means no decision has been reached on possible redundancies, but we are doing everything in our power to save our staff".

He added: "I do sympathise with the position of the staff and the EIS-FELA and we remain positive that we will find the best solutions for the future by continuing to work together".