A “streamlining” process could see 32 lecturer jobs lost at Fife College.
Union officials were notified last week of a review of staffing, which could also see 24 promoted posts created for lecturers and 31 new academic support posts.
News of the cuts emerged as college staff continued industrial action for a fair pay rise, which has included a series of strikes.
However, it was unclear which posts are affected and how the changes will impact on staff.
Talks will be held with staff concerned and representatives of the Educational Institute Of Scotland union’s Further Education Lecturers Association (EIS-FELA).
Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville urged college principal Hugh Hall to avoid compulsory redundancies and redeploy as many teaching staff as possible.
She said: “The college believes that change is required to allow them to deliver the best standard of education to students and an effective programme of courses.
“Whilst these are currently only proposals, I made clear when I met the principal last week that should these be approved the college must do all that it can to avoid compulsory redundancies and to redeploy staff where appropriate.
“I am aware that the college will be engaging with staff and unions going forward with regard to these changes.
“It’s important that any decisions on this matter should take into account the views of the staff affected.”
Kirkcaldy SNP MSP David Torrance said he wanted assurance that students would continue to be provided with the best educational experience possible.
He said: “I have spoken to the principal and the union and will be keeping in touch with both of them to see how this progresses.”
Confirming the proposals, a Fife College spokesperson said: “Fife College is embarking on a consultation with its staff on how we deliver our strategic priorities in the coming academic year and beyond in a way that will enhance the student experience and streamline how we deliver skills and learning in an innovative and enterprising way.
“The proposals, if implemented, would see a reduction of 32 lecturer posts and the creation of 24 new promoted lecturer posts and 31 new academic support posts.
“Colleges, like many other organisations, are facing challenging times and Fife College is determined to ensure that we work with our staff to improve the life chances and employability prospects of our students.”
No one from EIS-FELA was available for comment on Monday.
