COLLEGE bosses will be invited to put their case during a public debate on proposed job losses at crisis-hit Nelson and Colne College.

Principal Kath Belton and members of the college board will have their say on plans to axe 47 posts during the public meeting on February 28 at Silverman Hall, Nelson.

Richard MacSween, chairman of the local branch of the lecturers' union NATFHE, which is organising the meeting, said: "They are being invited along to give an account of themselves.

"We are also inviting members of the public, local councillors and anyone else who has an interest in the future of the college."

Staff and management are halfway through a 30-day consultation period over the job cuts and plans by the cash-strapped college to make staff re-apply for their contracts in the summer.

Union representatives claim it could lead to a cut of up to £3,000 a year in staff pay packets.

Mr MacSween said he hoped ballot papers on possible strike action would be sent to union members in the next fortnight but it could be some time before any action, if it is sanctioned, could go ahead.

Once papers are sent out the union has been advised to give members a fortnight to vote and, if they agree strike action, the union has to give the college at least a week's notice.

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