BOLTON College lecturers say they will work with bosses to save £1.5 million — but reject proposals to axe jobs and change employment contracts.

The college is planning to make redundancies after a huge cut in governing funding, forcing it to making savings of six per cent of its budget.

Proposals are to axe more than 40 posts and issue new contracts for remaining teaching staff. University College Union (UCU) is fighting the proposals, and has not ruled out strike action.

George Heyes, UCU committee member at Bolton College branch, said: “Although the union is prepared to discuss with the college ways to save money they unanimously rejected the college’s current proposals.

“Lecturers at Bolton College are dismayed and angry about massive redundancies announced at the college.”

He added: “The union believes these cuts will reduce both the number and quality of courses remaining in the college for the community of Bolton.”

UCU says quality will be affected because teaching staff remaining in a job will be required to sign new contracts which they say will increase teaching loads, reduce annual leave by five days and could lead to some teachers losing up to £7,000 a year.

Mr Heyes added: “UCU members find these proposals totally unacceptable.

“At a recent branch meeting, union members were furious that all areas of the college were facing potential cuts except one; the senior management team, consisting of seven directors, two vice-principals and principal, are not to be cut.”

He added: “Although the union is prepared to discuss with the college ways to save money, they unanimously rejected the college’s current proposals.

Further meetings are planned for the near future.”

Bolton College said as it is in a period of consultation with staff it was unable to comment.