Marvin OnumonuStaff and students at the Working Men’s College (WMC) in Camden rallied to defend jobs and courses after news of sweeping cuts.
The protest took place outside a governors’ meeting, with union members demanding the college halt plans to cut 19 staff roles just weeks before the new academic year.
WMC is facing a £500,000 deficit.
The college said the restructure comes after funding was reduced by 6% from the Department for Education (DfE) and 3.3% from the Greater London Authority.
Management said the staff-to-income ratio had become unsustainable.
The threatened job losses cover curriculum, support services, library and management information systems.
Jo Grady, general secretary at UCU, said: “WMC has stood as a beacon of adult learning for over 170 years.
“Slashing staff and services in response to short-sighted funding decisions will do lasting harm to local people who rely on the college for second chances, upskilling, and social connection.
“We need investment, not cuts. Our members are fighting for their jobs and the future of adult education in Camden and beyond.”
Dipa Ganguli OBE, principal and CEO at WMC, said: “Adult education isn’t an extra – it’s essential. It underpins a stronger economy, healthier communities and a fairer society.
“Yet government funding continues to focus almost exclusively on young people, leaving adult learners behind.
“If we’re serious about education equity and opportunity for all – not just the young – we need a properly funded national strategy.
“I urge everyone who believes in lifelong learning to speak to their MP and demand action. The continued neglect of adult education is not just short-sighted – it’s reckless.”
