THE principal of Barnet College has blamed plans to cut up to 20 per cent of its teaching staff on a reduction in Government funding.

On Friday the Times Series revealed the college, which celebrated the official opening of its £50m Wood Street campus today with a host of dignitaries, was looking to make the cutbacks.

Lecturers there have vowed to fight to save as many jobs as possible, as the college looks to merge with neighbouring Southgate College.

Under proposals the two institutions would look to save £4m on staffing in the coming years.

Principal Marilyn Hawkins said: “New funding arrangements mean that the whole further education sector is facing an uncertain future.

"I am delighted that the unions have stated their intention to work closely with senior management to find an equitable way of managing our reduced budget for the coming year, and I look forward to fruitful collaboration.

"Ultimately, our concern must be to ensure we can maintain our high educational standards, and as wide a provision of courses, for as wide a group of students, as possible, in the face of reduced Government funding for further education."

Lecturers have warned courses used by vulnerable sections of society, including English as a second language (ESOL) students, could be the first to go.

UCU branch secretary at Barnet College, David Armstrong, said: “We are not blind to the troubles facing the further education sector and realise that there will have to be difficult decisions made.

“We will certainly continue to work closely with senior management with a view to finding an equitable outcome that, most importantly, also guarantees educational quality for our learners.

“In the meantime we intend to campaign vigorously and publicly against these cuts.”