UNIONS have condemned a move by three Scottish colleges to cut 86 jobs.

Support staff union Unison and college lecturers' union the EIS described the plan, which emerged as the colleges of Stow, North Glasgow and John Wheatley discuss a merger, as "the thin end of a very thick wedge".

Brian McQuillan, Unison steward at John Wheatley College, said: "These merger cuts are a devastating blow for the people of Glasgow and for further education."

Charles Montgomery, EIS convener at Stow College, added: "The irony is that millions of pounds are going to be spent on voluntary severance packages when the money should be used to provide educational services to our most deprived communities."

A spokesman on behalf of the colleges said: "The colleges acknowledge the concerns of the trades unions.

"However, the Scottish Government has cut public funding to further education colleges and, in turn, colleges must reduce their costs to remain financially sustainable.

"John Wheatley, North Glasgow and Stow Colleges are seeking to achieve these savings over the next two years through a range of financial measures, including voluntary severance arrangements for staff at each college.

"The colleges will strive to minimise the impact of these reductions on the quality of learning and teaching delivered in the north and east of Glasgow."