TWO Merseyside colleges have been hit with a second wave of job cuts less than 18 months after they merged.

St Helen’s College and Knowsley Community College merged last year with promises of “greater stability” from bosses.

Within weeks of the merger 85 redundancies were declared, to the dismay of lecturers and the University and College Union.

Now a further 65 redundancies have been announced and also the closure of an academy run by St Helens.

UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: “Less than 18 months on from a merger the college said would bring stability, it has announced a second round of job losses.

“Cuts of this magnitude would have a serious impact on the college’s ability to deliver educational opportunities for students in the region.

“The uncertainty hanging over staff and students is incredibly worrying and we will be fighting against compulsory job losses and increases in workloads.”