BREAKING: Jobs at risk at West Notts College

The new Vision University Centre at West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield

Picture: Sarah Washbourn / www.yellowbellyphotos.com — The new Vision University Centre at West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield Picture: Sarah Washbourn / www.yellowbellyphotos.com

A total of 41 employees in the college’s business development unit have been made aware they may lose their jobs, with a total of 29 full-time posts set to go.

Government education chiefs have pledged to create an additional three million apprentice places by 2020 and the current qualification-based model is being altered.

This means college bosses have had to rethink how it will deliver apprentice training in the future – plans have also been put forward to create 17 new roles.

A spokesman said those at risk of redundancy will be able to apply for the new roles, as well as other vacancies at the college.

A 30-day consultation with staff has now begun.

Dame Asha Khemka, principal and chief executive, said:“Work-related training forms a significant and highly-successful part of the college, and we are widely-regarded as being one of the top-performing providers of apprenticeships in the country.

“However, in order to maintain our strong position, it’s vital we have the right staffing structure to meet the demands of national apprenticeship reforms, while also ensuring our provision is delivered as efficiently as possible.

“We have reviewed our service to employers, and while this has highlighted many examples of exceptional practice, it has also shown areas where we can bolster our expertise and address some over-capacity.

“As a result, we are proposing to re-structure our business development team to better serve the needs of employers and apprentices, both now and in the future.

“Regrettably, we have placed 41 members of staff at risk of redundancy, with a need to lose 29 full-time posts, and have entered into a period of consultation with colleagues and trade unions.

“This decision has not been taken lightly and it is clearly a very upsetting time for those colleagues affected. However, we are confident the proposed changes will enable us to not only maintain our high level of service to employers but also enhance it.

“We are working very hard with our unions to minimise compulsory redundancies and ensure that colleagues are treated with dignity and compassion.”