Bradford College has announced jobs are at risk following huge cuts in Government funding.

The college believes it will have to make reductions in staffing costs after the Government announced a £200m cut to college funding for adults, as well as a £449m cut in higher education nationally.

The college has said it will not know the number and nature of any potential redundancies until after consultations have been completed.

David Brack, head of marketing and communications at the college, has also said it will be withdrawing services from Bridge House, in Ilkley, from September – putting staff at the risk of redundancy.

Mr Brack said: “The Government has recently announced a £200 million cut to college funding for adults as well as a £449 million cut in higher education funding nationally.

“This, along with £2 million in abortive costs incurred on the college’s capital project, means that like most colleges and universities in the country, Bradford will have to manage a tight financial situation which will include identifying reductions in staffing costs.

“The college is in the early stages of this process and has been consulting with the unions since February 4 on ways of avoiding redundancies.

“The number and nature of any potential redundancies will not be known until after the consultations have taken place.”

The college has said its lease of Bridge House, in Ilkley, was due to expire at the end of July and the terms of the new lease after this period were not financially viable.

Mr Brack said: “This, coupled with a recently announced Government cut of £1m in adult funding, means the college will have to withdraw from Bridge House from September. Redeployment opportunities will be available to staff, but some redundancies may be necessary. The college remains committed to delivering education opportunities in Ilkley and is researching alternative venues.”