Uncertain outlook for Telford

Last week Lincoln University announced that they would disestablish 16 job positions at Telford.

The future of Telford remains uncertain, as Lincoln says it will have to reconsider all its options in the event a takeover by another provider does not go ahead.

It was announced last week Lincoln University would disestablish 16 job positions at Telford as part of a three-month ''Refreshing Lincoln'' proposal to reduce debt at the university.

A limited number of staff had also taken voluntary redundancy or early retirement in addition to the 16 jobs axed at the campus.

Clutha Development chief executive Linda Moore said the development team met affected staff to help find new positions for them in the district.

This included going over CVs and matching them with potential jobs as part of Clutha Development's job portal.

''If we find the right people, we can connect them to employers, as well.''

Mrs Moore said Clutha Development was lucky to be in a position where it was able to help those affected.

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said it was about putting the people in the right direction for ''the best chance to get the best job''.

His biggest concern for Telford and its staff was the ''overall picture'' of an uncertain future caused by the redundancies and the voluntary early retirements of some staff.

A lack of communication about the potential outcome was also concerning.

''We're pretty much in the dark,'' he said.

Interim director of the Telford Division of Lincoln University Joan Grace said the university ''firmly believed'' the best option for Telford was for another provider to take over course delivery.

The Southern Institute of Technology and Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre were part of negotiations to potentially assume responsibility for Telford.

Ms Grace said if this did not happen, the university would need to reconsider its options.

An option would be to deliver a reduced academic programme which better reflected ''the economic reality of running Telford''.

The programmes on offer at Telford next year would depend on the outcome of the decisions made. The availability of courses will be posted online on January 18.

Lincoln was providing information to the institutions when requested.

Ms Grace could not speak for either of the institutions engaged but noted positive indications from various stakeholders.

The university would work with all parties to ensure assets would be handed over to the appropriate party.