The college announced the "potential redundancies" on Thursday, blaming a loss of government funding, a decline in investment income and the expiry of a lucrative OLAF contract – a five-year deal where the college assisted with teaching offenders in prisons.

The college has had to find savings of around half-a-million pounds and claims it has made "substantial savings across its pay and non-pay budgets to avoid heavily impacting on staff".

The redundancies equate to seven full time jobs; only around 1% of the 650 staff currently employed by the college.

But one member of staff told The Visitor: "I think it's appalling.
"Staff are wondering who's going to be next.

"We all knew the OLAF contract had gone but we didn't expect this. I don't like the way it's been done."

David Wood, college principal, said: "Whilst it is extremely regrettable that we may have to make these redundancies, it is very much a reflection on the prevailing economic circumstances that many local companies both large and small are facing.

"It is important that college lives within its means and remains financially strong."

Mr Wood said the college is still regarded as one of the most financially stable colleges within the FE (Further Education) sector.