Savage cuts could leave students at Elmwood College in Cupar “facing a bleak future” with fewer courses and reduced educational opportunities, senior staff claimed ahead of a mass protest today.
The warning was issued as employees prepared to join a nationwide demonstration against proposals to slash funding.
Colleges in Scotland face a 10.4% cut in funding by the Scottish Funding Council.
Karen Dawson, chairwoman of the UNISON further education committee and an employee of Elmwood, claimed the reduction will have a “devastating impact” on staff, students and the wider community.
“Staff from Elmwood College will join colleges throughout Scotland in a lunchtime protest to raise public awareness of the extent of the government’s cuts to further education. The message is ‘no funding no future’.”
She said the 10.4% cut could lead to fewer courses, a loss of staff and a lack of educational opportunities.
Elmwood principal Jim Crooks said more funding is required as colleges aim to help Britain to build its way out of recession.
“I am deeply saddened that the cuts in the public sector will impact significantly on further education and Elmwood in particular,” he said. “The service that is provided by colleges is essential for recovery from recession as well as the future growth of the economy and especially in north-east Fife.
“When there is such a large demand for skills and training and such a significant growth in youth unemployment, we believe that additional investment in further education would be the right investment to make at this time.
“The board is committed to ensuring the financial sustainability of Elmwood College and work hard to mitigate the effects of funding cuts.”