COLLEGE staff in Lewisham staged a protest yesterday over plans to axe up to 150 staff as a result of a vicious 25 per cent budget cut resulting from Con-Dem austerity.

Cuts imposed by the Tories and their Liberal Democrat collaborators are having a severe impact on further and adult education across the country.

At Lewisham Southwark College in south-east London, the cuts are being implemented by college authorities — with staffing levels the main target.

The University and College Union (UCU) says college bosses are refusing to discuss the problem with unions.

Workers staged a demonstration yesterday evening outside the college’s Lewisham Way building.

UCU expressed its “disappointment” at the college’s refusal to discuss its plans with unions, or to consider UCU proposals to mitigate the impact of the cuts.

The union called on college management to “avoid any knee-jerk reactions to financial problems that could seriously damage the college’s ability to deliver quality education for local people.”

UCU regional official Una O’Brien said: “We really need the college to start listening to its staff before any serious decisions about the future are made.

“Any knee-jerk reactions to financial problems risk damaging the reputation of the college, as well as the quality and scope of education for people in the area.

“We want college governors to meet with us and look at alternative ways out of this crisis than simply sacking key staff. Our local communities desperately need the second chance opportunities that the college can provide.”