Union accuses 'educational liquidators' of ruining Sandwell College in row over job cuts

Last year 18 teaching jobs were lost through cuts in the curriculum. Local students whose courses were axed are now forced to travel vast distances to other colleges if they wish to continue their education. The college cites unsatisfactory retention and achievement rates for the continuing cull of courses. However, UCU argued today that as Sandwell College sits in one of the most deprived areas of the West Midlands it more than holds its own with other colleges when the economic and educational background of the students is taken into account.

The union estimates that over the last four years 40 per cent of full time teaching jobs have been lost and warns today that if the college pushes ahead with its plans it will essentially be depriving students from Sandwell and the surrounding areas of education and the chance to improve their futures.

Nick Varney, UCU's West Midlands regional official, said: 'We do not believe that the college has made any attempt to address the issues of retention and achievement or given a second thought to the students it is essentially dropping from the education system. Sandwell is exactly the kind of area that needs to be encouraging students into education and giving them a better start or a second chance in life, not throwing them out.

'Sandwell College needs a progressive management team that cares about its community, rather than the educational liquidators that appear to be in charge. We will be calling on members, the local community and politicians to campaign against these cuts and, if we have to, we will be taking industrial action.'