TWENTY jobs could be made redundant at Blackburn College.

A consultation is under way to review the positions at the further education facility, which is based in Fielden Street.

Nobody at the college was able to confirm the types of jobs that were at risk.

A spokesman did however tell the Lancashire Telegraph that reductions had to be made as a result of public funding cuts and changes to government policy.

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He said: “As a result of reductions in public funding arising from changes to government policy, Blackburn College, like other further education institutions, has come under increasing financial pressure to operate in more efficient manner.

“The college has taken a considered approach to meeting these challenges and evaluated carefully the long term impact on its provision and services in order to safeguard its learners and ambitions for the future.

“The college has already made a number cost reductions to its consumables budget and spend.

“However, to meet the budget set for 2014/2015, the college is required to make some in year savings to its staffing budget.”

Coun Andy Kay, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said it was sad to hear about jobs potentially being lost in the borough. He said: “When the government decides to make cuts, they are not bothered where they come from, but it is the services to our residents that suffer.

“We should be helping and supporting the young people in the borough to further their education. I hope this does not effect their learning.”