31 March 2006

Union greatly concerned by Keighley College merger

NATFHE – The University & College Lecturers’ Union, has expressed concern at the implications for staff and the local community of plans to merge Keighley College with another further education college.

The news comes just less than a year after college staff were told that a significant number of the institution’s full-time lecturing  posts were to be axed – largely as a result of a £1m shortfall caused by financial  mismanagement. After negotiation, those redundancies were voluntary rather than compulsory.

Former Keighley principal, David Gates, left just before Christmas 2005. In early March 2006, inspectors rated the college’s management as inadequate.

This week acting Keighley principal, Chris Moore, sent a letter to all staff informing them that the Board of the Corporation and the Learning and Skills Council had decided a formal merger would be the ‘best way forward’ for the college.

Despite several requests the union has been told very little detail about the merger plans but fears that it could spell a further period of uncertainty and insecurity for staff. NATFHE is also concerned that the residents of Keighley could lose their own independent local college.

Martyn Moss, NATFHE regional official in Yorkshire and Humberside, said:

‘Only this time last year, staff went through a very painful process where they faced losing their jobs. Now, it looks like they are about to go through the same again.

‘We do not know what the future of further education will be in Keighley – the loss of its own college could have a devastating impact on the local community"
 
‘We call for urgent talks with the college and the West Yorkshire Learning and Skills Council. It is very unfair to leave staff in the dark about their futures in this way.’

Contacts
Martyn Moss, NATFHE regional official in Yorkshire and Humberside
0161-7727012/07989-473086
 

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