K College faces yet more job losses as Tunbridge Wells campus is still at risk

Up to 168 jobs at K College campuses across Kent could be at risk after the ailing institution revealed its latest restructuring plan.

The college had previously said 145 roles could be made redundant as bosses battle an operating deficit of £6.4m - but today it was announced that further posts could be cut.

An extension of the consultation over job losses has been agreed with unions as management fights to secure the financial future of the college, which has centres in Folkestone, Dover, Ashford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Today a spokesman for K College restated that its campus in Folkestone may be sold because it has been operating at a substantial loss for some time. They said the college could look to run courses from other locations in the town next year.

On October 8 K College staff went on strike over planned job cuts and fears that campuses could be shut.

The next day principal Bill Fearon announced that he would be resigning. He plans to leave at Christmas and the college is currently in process of recruiting his replacement at the helm of the troubled institution.

Today Mr Fearon said: "The college continues to focus hard on its priorities which are to provide students with the best possible experiences and to succeed in their qualification or skills training."

The college says it remains committed to minimising the number of compulsory redundancies across its six campuses and among its off-site staff.

A voluntary redundancy scheme is available to all staff and employees have also been encouraged to reduce their hours and seek job share opportunities in a bid to reduce the number of jobs being cut.