Lecturers at Sheffield College in Yorkshire voted overwhelmingly yesterday for strike action in defence of their jobs.

College bosses want to axe 75 jobs and worsen working conditions to save £3.7 million to “build up reserves.”

Members of academics’ union UCU voted 86 per cent for strike action and 95 per cent for action short of a strike.

“UCU members at Sheffield College have made it quite clear that they oppose the college’s plans to cut jobs and slash terms and conditions,” said UCU further education regional officer Julie Kelley.

“The ballot result shows they are prepared to take strike action to defend their jobs and those of their colleagues.

“The college needs to listen to its staff and come back to the table to look again at its punitive proposals.

“Shedding such large numbers of staff will result in fewer courses, affect quality and risks causing serious damage the college’s reputation.”