STUDENTS fear job cuts at Weymouth College will disrupt the end of their courses this year.

Dozens of teachers will lose their jobs this summer as the college looks to make efficiency savings in the wake of funding cuts.

Bosses have insisted that students who are finishing off their courses will not be affected by the changes.

But Lauren Pruce, 18, believes her coursework deadlines are being brought forward due to the job cuts and it is putting strain on students and lecturers.

Miss Pruce said: “Some of our teachers are being made redundant so they’ve pushed our deadline forward.

“We’ve got to work extra hard.

“And it’s hard on our lecturers because they’ve got this hanging over their heads.”

Staff have received letters informing them of the redundancies and the University and College Union were informed dozens of jobs are at risk. It is believed more than 40 posts could go with some staff claiming that the final tally could be more than 50.

The college has entered a 30-day consultation period and it is hoped voluntary redundancies will reduce the numbers forced to leave.

Miss Pruce, 18, of Ventnor Road, Portland, praised her teachers but wishes she had seen fewer changes during her course.

“Since I’ve been there it’s been a bit of a mess,” she said.

“One of our teachers left last year and another one has gone this year.

“We are trying to get into university but we are worried this is going to put our chances in jeopardy. And people are worried about whether they will be able to finish their courses.”

The cut in government funding is being made from the college’s budget for adult learning.

But bosses have not made it clear if the redundancies will be limited to teachers from adult learning courses only.

Sue Moore, the principal, said teaching and learning will continue as normal in all areas of the college.

“Staff at risk of redundancy are being offered support through this difficult process,” she said.

Mrs Moore said students who choose a course that the Skills Funding Agency has scrapped funding for next term will have to pay.

“However we have separate contracts and funding streams that will service some adult groups such as Work-Focused Training for six-month unemployed and Personal Best,” she said.

She confirmed courses will continue in all sectors, including hair and beauty, construction and allied trades, business, ICT, catering and Literacy and Numeracy.

Mrs Moore said changes are being made to the full-time 16-18 curriculum next year in response to new initiatives.