A REDUNDANT worker has criticised Kirklees College for announcing a sponsorship deal with Huddersfield Town just days before dozens of staff lose their jobs.
The college revealed on Wednesday it had signed a £75,000 deal to sponsor the Terriers for the 2010/11 season.
But the college staff member said yesterday the timing of the announcement was “a kick in the teeth” to workers about to be made redundant.
The worker, who asked not to be named, said: “There are nearly 100 of us who are going from the college – including many this month – and the timing of this deal is terrible.
“It is a very inappropriate time to announce that they are spending this money.
“I have enjoyed working for the college and am deeply upset that I am going in regrettable circumstances.
“Seeing news of this deal, which we knew nothing about, is a real kick in the teeth for us. Had they delayed it for some weeks it may not have been too bad.”
The college staff member added: “We have gagging orders on to stop us from speaking to the Press and a lot of us are upset about the redundancies, having worked at the college for many, many years.”
News of the sponsorship deal comes as the college enforces a round of cuts to cope with a spending squeeze from central Government.
Among the victims are 30 lecturers at the English for Speakers of Other Languages department, who are losing their jobs.
The college has also decided to stop running English classes at Slaithwaite, Huddersfield New College, the Irish Centre, St Patrick’s Catholic Centre, Rawthorpe and the Islamia School in Thornton Lodge.
But Kirklees College’s public relations manager Michael Bennett defended the Town sponsorship deal yesterday.
He said: “We regret that any staff are due to be made redundant from the college this year.
“The timing of this announcement is dictated by the Football League. Like all clubs up and down the country, Huddersfield Town need to launch their new shirts ahead of their first league game to sell them to supporters.
“As reported previously, some areas of the college have been affected by budget cuts from central government. As a result, the college must reduce its reliance on public money in the future.
“This new partnership will open doors to work with new employers, provide more opportunities for students and connect with the local community.
“In order to survive these tough economic times we must do things differently. We will invest our time and money locally to add value and benefits for our students, staff and stakeholders.”
