The University and College Union (UCU) is furious that some students who have completed their first-year qualifications could be turned away by the college.

It says the redundancies in construction, engineering, catering and hair and beauty have come at a time when courses are particularly in demand.

Around 50 staff members' jobs are under threat, but it is promised no more than 16 will actually be cut.

North Notts College claims it needs to make the redundancies because of a shortfall in funding from the Learning and Skills Council.

But UCU has warned the college that it risks putting its academic reputation on the line if it presses ahead with plans that will stop local people from achieving higher qualifications.

Union reps will meet college management next Thursday, and will question the principal over the potential reductions in learning opportunities for students.

Russ Escritt, UCU regional official for Notts, said the cuts would be bad news for the area - and that college management needs to go back to the drawing board.

"Our members cannot understand why good lecturers need to lose their jobs, whilst courses are in such great demand from students. Further education colleges like North Notts College have a leading role in helping to retrain people as they seek new skills and employment," he said.

"It is criminal that the college is turning away people who want to gain new qualifications, and that they are looking to get rid of the staff who can teach them."

North Notts College principal John Connolly said he recognised the 'difficult impact' the redundancies would have on the staff, but assured students their qualifications would not be affected.

"We are working hard to minimise the damage," he said. "This is purely a staffing issue which is responding in many cases to a reduction in demand for courses. Students will not be affected by the move."

Management has also come underfire from Unison union members who represent the school's support staff.

"We've not been consulted at all about these decisions that have been made," Mike Scott Notts branch representative.

"To say staff are unhappy is a bit of an understatement. People are concerned about the redundancies and are concerned that there maybe more coming in the future."

"There's also this feeling that why is North Notts College in a worse situation than everyone else?"

Both unions plan to meet with college management next Thursday to present them with a number of proposals.