A UNION shocked by the news St Helens College is shedding another 50 jobs has voiced fears that the losses will have a serious impact on students.

College bosses say that they are seeking redundancies in the face of further cuts from central government.

Members of Unite have raised concerns over the possible impact on students.

A spokesperson told the Star: “We are shocked at the scale of the proposed redundancies and our members will rightly be concerned for their job security.

“We believe that the proposed level of redundancies will have a serious impact on the college.

“Unison is meeting with college management later this week when we expect to receive more details of the proposed redundancies.

“This is the beginning of a consultation period and we will be seeking to work with the college to minimise the level of any redundancies and seek to avoid compulsory redundancies by use of voluntary means.

“We want to reassure all Unison members that we will be providing them with regular updates as discussions with college management continue.”

They stressed that any members with concerns can contact union stewards at the college.

In a statement issued last week, Principal Dr Jette Burford said: “It is with great regret that we must make this announcement but ensuring the financial stability of the college, in order to remain competitive in the fiercely competitive world of education, and to align the college’s skills set with new provisions, it is necessary to make these efficiency savings.”