STAFF at Bradford College and Leeds City College's Keighley campus could strike over proposed job losses.

The University and College Union is preparing for ballots for industrial action at the two institutions.

The union says that up to 140 staff at Bradford College are at risk of losing their jobs as the college trims its budget.

They also claim Leeds City College plans to axe 146 staff, including one-in-four lecturing jobs at the college. It is unclear how many of those jobs would be at the Keighley campus.

UCU regional official, Julie Kelley, said: ‘Further education colleges are experiencing difficult times thanks to big cuts in government funding. However, the pace and scale of the job losses at Leeds City College and Bradford College is astonishing.

‘Colleges that are experiencing difficulties need to work with us to try and manage the situation. The last thing we can afford is knee-jerk job cuts that leave a lasting legacy on the local community.

‘We believe cuts of this size would cause real damage to the region’s chances of offering high-quality training and education for students and local businesses.

‘Industrial action is always a last resort, but UCU will be announcing a timetable for the ballots in the next few days and regrettably strike action cannot be ruled out at either college."

A Bradford College spokesman refused to comment on the scale of the job losses, but added: “We will always prioritise keeping its staff informed and the impact on students to a minimum. We are happy to continue to work with Union Representatives to ensure clear communication throughout the consultation process and discussions are now underway. The College will work hard to try and redeploy staff where possible and voluntary redundancy will remain available for staff to apply for throughout the process. Any form of industrial action is regrettable and is something the College will work with the unions to avoid.

"Bradford College will not comment further as the consultation process is now underway.”

A Leeds City College spokesman said: "The College is working hard to absorb as much of the reductions in income as possible from non-pay budgets but regrettably, it is envisaged that there will be an impact on courses offered, estate portfolio and staffing levels - current proposals including the reduction of up to 146 full-time equivalent posts from management, business support and teaching.

"The College is extremely disappointed to hear of the UCU proposal to ballot members for strike action at what is a difficult time for staff, and an important time for students completing their studies along with those looking to join the college in September."