LECTURERS will lose their jobs and courses for adults face the axe as education chiefs look to make £1m worth of savings at Bolton Community College.

The college is facing a five per cent cut in its budget under a Government shake-up of adult education.

It means voluntary redundancies will be inevitable, says the college.

Dozens of people will lose college places as a result, affecting people taking a vital stepping stone back into education through courses such as basic computing and GCSE maths.

It is a move being mirrored nationwide, with many college principals and MPs lobbying Parliament over the proposals.

The cuts have been prompted by a renewed emphasis on education for teenagers, leaving less money for adult education.

The Department for Education and Skills says it is prioritising those who are eligible for funding and the allocation for adult provision is expected to be cut by more than 12 per cent.

Colleges were told of the cuts by the Learning and Skills Council, the body responsible for post-16 education, which is due to confirm them in May.

Principal Alison Bowes said: "It is devastating news. The college recently had an excellent inspection report and has high success rates for its learners.

"It is unbelievable that, despite this, the Government has cut its funding by £1 million for adults for next year."

College vice-principal Beri Hare said: "It is upsetting the college has had to take this action, but it is a situation facing colleges everywhere.

"We are hoping people will come forward and accept voluntary redundancies. We will also be looking to make efficiency savings."

Compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.

Adult courses which do not have a qualification at the end of them are most likely to be axed. Numeracy and literacy courses will be safe, as will vocational courses such as catering, business, leadership and management.

Dr Hare said: "Recreational courses are under threat, such as creative writing and painting for pleasure.

"But it is important to point out that we still have a wide range of adult courses on offer

"Students who are worried should contact the college and we may be able to look for alternative courses."

The college is now working out how many employees will need to be made redundant and which courses will have to be axed.

People worried about their courses should call the college on 01204-907000.