College 'optimistic over job cuts

MANAGERS at a Rotherham college facing a shortfall of more than £2 million have said that they may not need to make as many redundancies as first thought.

RESTRUCTURING plans could mean fewer jobs face the axe at a Rotherham college battling a £2m cash shortfall.

Managers at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology announced last month that 70 jobs were under threat as a result of a drop in the college's income linked to changes in student recruitment and a cut in Government funding.

The changes mean income has dropped from £24m to around £21.5m.

But after a review of situation, college principal Gill Alton said this week that she was "optimistic" that there would be fewer redundancies than originally feared.

She said that the college’s realigned budget had been met through a combination of reduced staffing costs and other operating expenditure.

A re-organisation of the academic staffing structure had already been announced and the college is currently reviewing the non-academic areas of its provision.

Ms Alton added: “In making the changes, we have sought to ensure that the college is fit for the future and able to take on the challenges ahead.

“Restructuring and reshaping the college will enable us to face the difficult circumstances ahead and position the college ready to make the most of opportunities as they arise in the future.”

 

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