LECTURERS at Wigan and Leigh College say they are being forced to accept drastically adapted contracts in a bid to prevent the sixth form college from going bankrupt.

In a meeting last week College Principal Jim Crewdson announced that swift action was necessary if the college wanted to overcome financial difficulties.

Because the college had failed to meet previous targets it must repay £2.8 million to the Learning and Skills Council and a three year recovery plan needs to be submitted to the LSC to ensure the college's survival.

Staff claim part of this plan would be "draconian changes to contracts" and have now involved their union, NATFHE (National Association of Teachers in Further Education).

A spokesman said: "We were told we have until December 31 to negotiate and agree a new contract with them. Failure to do so would lead to all staff being given notice of termination of their existing contracts and an offer made of re-engagement on the new contracts at the end of the notice period."

Reduction

Staff claim they have been asked to accept increased working hours, no overtime pay, a reduction in holiday entitlement and new pay-banding.

Mike Lambourne, NATFHE Wigan and Leigh College branch chair said: "We are being forced to agree to this contract, without negotiation, at breakneck speed, in less than four weeks."

Mr Crewdson, College Principal since January, claims the changes would simply bring working practices in line with the region's other colleges.

"This college is the only one in the area where the majority of staff still only need to be at college 30 hours per week and have a minimum of 10 weeks annual leave. Normal working practices for teaching staff in further education is a 37 hour week with seven weeks paid holiday.

"The sad fact is that unless the financial shortfalls are addressed, we cannot continue our work to assist with the further education of the people of Wigan and Leigh. I was brought in to turn around the fortunes of this college and have made some progress, with the help of a highly supportive team. I am determined that this good work will continue and that the college can face a better and more financially stable future."

An independent advisor, Gary Smith has now been brought in to review the situation. Talks were due to take place yesterday (Wednesday) between NATFHE negotiators and management.