Jobs at risk as college cuts courses

College jobs are facing the axe along with four full-time arts and hospitality courses in Oban.

 

UHI Argyll blames lack of uptake for the courses on making the 'difficult decision'.

 

Although the college is 'acutely aware' of the importance of catering and hospitality to the local economy, financial viability is a reality and it no longer has the 'luxury' of running courses which have low numbers, said its spokesperson.

 

'Unfortunately, this means that four part-time staff  have been informed they are now at risk of redundancy. We are currently in consultation with staff and unions to minimise the impact of the redundancies and this consultation is ongoing,' added the spokesperson.

 

Five out of eight students affected by the decision have accepted a place on another course or been helped into work or apprenticeships.

 

UHI Argyll says it is facing 'serious financial challenges in the years ahead' and that in a bid to shape up a more effective curriculum offering, it has been carrying out independent market research.

 

Its full time Creative Arts curriculum has not attracted enough students  to be financially sustainable since 2018, it says.

 

'The evidence in terms of student applications shows there is insufficient appetite for full-time provision,' said the UHI Argyll spokesperson, adding claims made by EIS-FELA (Educational Institute of Scotland and Further Education Lecturers' Association) were 'inaccurate and misleading'.

 

'We do not accept the negative view that we are not adequately marketing all subject areas, including agriculture. We continue to deliver hairdressing and construction across several locations.

 

'We do not commodify education. Any reserves the college has will be used for the benefit of our students and communities. The financial viability of all courses is a reality and a factor that must be considered. We no longer have the luxury to be able to run courses which have low numbers and do not meet with the needs of the community.

 

'The college is accountable for the use of significant public funds and is expected, in common with other public bodies, to ensure we operate efficiently. Unfortunately, this means making difficult decisions on occasion.'

 

A petition on the EIS's website has been launched in a bid to save the arts and hospitality departments and jobs at redundancy risk.

 

The petition at  Argyll College Redundancies asks the college's senior management team and board of management to reconsider their decision.

 

EIS-FELA argue the community thrives on hospitality skills and that the decision to shut the departments is 'ill-advised and premature' just as the community emerges from a difficult two years.

 

'There are other courses which are oversubscribed which could support the lesser subscribed courses until such time as things are back on an even keel. Ultimately the college is there to provide opportunity and education for our communities – not to make a profit,' said its spokesperson.

 

The EIS-FELA Argyll branch has requested sight of the Equality Impact Assessment which should have informed the decision to close the courses.