A COLLEGE in one of the most deprived parts of Scotland is cutting courses and jobs following Government funding cuts.
North Glasgow College is reviewing provision across all departments and has introduced a voluntary severance scheme to save more than £800,000 from its £14 million budget.
The college, in Springburn, which made £1m of cuts last year, said courses could close in areas where staff come forward for redundancy or if there is duplication with other institutions.
The move comes at a difficult time for further education colleges across Scotland, with financial cutbacks and extensive restructuring.
Earlier this year, The Herald revealed that more than half of Scotland's 40 colleges had axed courses in the wake of Scottish Government cuts to their teaching budget. In 2010/11, the teaching budget for colleges was cut by 10.4% as part of wider public funding cuts, and colleges are facing more cash reductions this year.
The Scottish Government believes the impact can be offset by money saved through reorganisation along regional lines, with a number of colleges merging.
However, lecturers and students have repeatedly warned the cuts will mean a poorer quality of education, job losses and fewer courses.
Ronnie Knox, principal of North Glasgow, said the college, which employs 232 staff, needed to find savings of £823,000 in 2012/13.
"The first stage is looking at a voluntary severance scheme, and once we know the interest in that and which members of staff will be leaving, we can look at the courses we offer," he said. "We are already reviewing all our courses to see where there is duplication."
He added: "It is important to stress no-one here wants to go down this road, but it is the reality of the situation given the public funding cuts all colleges are facing."
Paul Martin, MSP for Glasgow Provan, said: "It is appalling the college finds itself in this position at a time when students are trying to secure their economic future. College education is a crucial element of the country coming out of recession, and the fact it is happening at a time when higher education has received very generous funding is unacceptable."
Students from the college have demanded talks with the principal to find out which programmes may be under threat. They are also planning a protest today.
Claire Haswell, executive officer of North Glasgow's Students' Association, believes creative courses such as music and sound could be hit. She added: "We are looking for answers from the principal on why, at a time of economic uncertainty and when companies are shedding staff and the public sector is contracting, those who create are being punished. These courses and others like them across Scotland's colleges develop our artistic talent. They need to be protected. North Glasgow College needs to re-evaluate its decision."
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