CLAIMS that the education of students at a Glasgow college has suffered because of the suspension of its principal have been dismissed by union leaders.

Unison, the public sector workers union, said staff at Glasgow Clyde College had continued to provide the best support for students despite the furore of the leadership.

The comments come after it emerged that former city council leader Gordon Matheson urged ministers to intervene in the ongoing crisis to prevent “damage” to the education system.

Gordon Matheson, who stepped down earlier this month, wrote to Angela Constance, the Education Secretary, in June calling for action over the situation at Clyde College - where principal Susan Walsh was suspended in February.

Brian Smith, Unison’s Glasgow secretary, said: “Our members have suffered worse from senior management and politicians in recent years who have inflicted failed mergers, cuts in pay and cuts in staffing levels through redundancies leaving many with unmanageable and stressful levels of work.

“During all that time Unison members have got on with the job of supporting students - all those who manage, direct and fund Clyde College should do the same.”

Meanwhile, Cal Waterson, the Unison regional organiser for GMB members employed by Glasgow Clyde College, said he was becoming “increasingly concerned” about the “ongoing farce” at the college.

He added: “These concerns are shared by the vast majority of our members. Not only has this left the college leaderless for a ridiculous length of time, but I am conscious that the spiralling legal costs could have been far better spent invested in the college, its’ staff, and students.

“For the record, I am unaware of any complaints of bullying by Ms Walsh, and GMB remains fully supportive of her. Whilst we have in the past had differences of opinion with college management our relationship remains mutually respectful and professional.”