Staff at UHI Moray fear the Elgin campus may struggle to survive a shocking redundancy spree that will see dozens of workers depart within days.
It is understood around 45 lecturers and support staff – a staggering 25% of the workforce – will leave as part of a voluntary severance scheme.
And most will be gone by the end of next week.
Union leaders have revealed that many are worried about the future of the Elgin campus.
‘The college will be a different place’
Moray Trade Union Council claims there has been a lack of transparency in how the cuts will impact staff, students and the future of the college itself.
Secretary David Blair said: “We’ve been told there is uncertainty and concern across many areas.
“This is due to the sheer volume of staff being lost – both teaching and support staff – but also the speed at which the departures are now happening.
“The real impact will not be known until the ‘new normal’ beds in. But we’re hearing that the college will be a different place.”
Mr Blair says there has been a “huge disconnect” between the college’s public messaging and what union and student representatives say.
Could UHI Moray redundancies hit young learners?
Mr Blair added: “We understand the college needs to attract students, and we certainly don’t want to put off anyone intending to study there.
“But these cuts could have huge implications for young people, families and businesses in Moray.
“So there needs to be a full and open discussion, which has not really happened so far.”
Moray TUC is also concerned that students will have to go further afield to study the subjects they want – resulting in an exodus from the region.
And there will be less in-person teaching and support.
Mr Blair said: “We are worried that more young people will be forced to leave Moray to train… And the concern is that when they leave they won’t come back.
“There is still a lack of transparency around the cuts, so we simply don’t know which subjects have been hit the hardest.”
What subjects are being considered for cuts?
Childcare, engineering and construction are among the areas being targeted for savings.
Mr Blair added a similar situation has happened in healthcare, with services downgraded and Moray folk having to travel to Inverness or Aberdeen for appointments
And he called for local politicians and the wider community to come together and stop the same thing happening in education.
Cuts at the college will also impact senior pupils at Moray secondary schools who attend the college on Wednesdays too.
Advanced highers in biology and chemistry have been axed.
Full and open discussions needed
And three foundation apprenticeships in engineering, hospitality and food and drink will go.
A revised curriculum at the college for the current academic year includes 15 HNCs, three HNDs and seven undergraduate degree programmes.
UHI Moray has been asked for a response.
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