STAFF at a Kidderminster college have been told they could be made redundant due to financial pressures.

Birmingham Metropolitan College announced that up to 250 members of staff across all it's campuses could lose their jobs by the end of this academic year.

The college’s skills and entrepreneurial campus, Kidderminster Academy, is based in the town centre in Weaver’s Wharf.

It also has a Centre of Sporting Excellence on the outskirts of Kidderminster in Brinton’s Fields which has facilities used by Kidderminster Harriers Football Academy.

College bosses said a reduction in Government funding and diminishing student numbers had resulted in the decision.

Andrew Cleaves, Principal and CEO at Birmingham Metropolitan College, said: “These are challenging times for the education sector and Birmingham Metropolitan College has not been unaffected.

“Government funding has reduced by a third in recent years and greater competition in the sector, combined with demographic factors, has put pressure on student numbers.

“These conditions have highlighted the need to focus on efficiency, by reducing costs where we can and improving the way we do things.

“Like other FE colleges, we need to reduce our operating costs and ensure the College is on a firm financial footing from which to grow in the future.

“We have informed staff that we need to reduce costs significantly, and regrettably, around 200 to 250 positions across our colleges could be made redundant by the end of the academic year.

“We are hopeful that any redundancies will be achieved voluntarily. Current students will not be affected and we are also aiming to protect our course offering in the future.

“The efficiency drive we are currently undertaking will leave us better placed to form even stronger partnerships and deliver excellent educational services in the future.”