FURIOUS lecturers have denounced letters sent out threatening them with compulsory redundancy.

James Watt College sent out the letters to 30 members of staff who were unsuccessful in applying for new middle management posts.

The college is trying to streamline after a damning report earlier this year condemned mismanagement and a debt of £7 million.

Departments were to be reduced, and the affected staff were asked to apply for new posts.

But the EIS union has condemned the letters, which were sent without warning.

Ray Caniffi, convener of the local EIS branch, said: 'Until now, management have been saying, "Don"t worry - we will find something for you". Then they get hit by letters saying, "your position might be under threat and you may be made redundant".

'We are raging at the treatment of our colleagues. People feel they"ve been through a lot and now there"s a lack of communication and consideration for people and their feelings.

'We will immediately request a ballot on industrial action if there is one compulsory redundancy.' A spokesman for the college said: 'Interim Principal Graham Clark has now formally advised a small number of predominantly academic management staff within the college of the possibility of redundancy.

'He has assured the staff concerned that the college will continue to look for ways to redeploy or retrain those likely to be affected.

'Alternatively, they will make arrangements for voluntary severance or voluntary early retirement.

'Further meetings between staff and their trade union representatives are in the process of being arranged.'