Staff have left Braintree College following a jobs shake-up.

Up to 12 members of staff have left the college because they are unhappy with the new setup.

Staff at the college in Church Lane were told there would be restructuring, with the creation of 29 posts but the phasing out of 32 posts.

Each member of staff at one of the posts phased out was offered the chance to apply for one of the new positions, but many have refused because they are unhappy with the offer they had been given.

The National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (Natfhe) said 12 members of staff had left as a result, including some in senior positions.

Michael Moran, regional support officer for Natfhe, said: "At the end of the day 12 people who had jobs at the college no longer do so.

"The college is not in that bad a financial situation - that is being used as a cover for this reorganisation."

Principal Jacquie Watts defended the college.

She said: "Only 3.9 jobs went under the restructuring plan, which was agreed to with representatives from the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, Natfhe and Unison.

"But there are a number of people without a job because some people have chosen not to apply for the new posts."

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Published Friday, January 14, 2005

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