The college disputes claims of compulsory redundancies

Teachers and researchers in the science department have been told they have until 9 July to accept a voluntary redundancy package.

If they refuse, they face compulsory severance under much-reduced terms, according to union representatives.

But Newi claims nothing is set in stone and they are looking for alternative funding to keep the posts.

The college says in common with other institutions it has lost more than �200,000 in funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

Union representatives from Natfhe and Unison said there was a "lack of any meaningful consultation" with any of the staff.

They also questioned the financial reasons behind the decision.

We're in talks with the staff concerned. We're more than happy to talk and are trying to work with the unions to save jobs Andrew Parry, Newi

Union officials said in a joint statement: "Overall, Newi is currently not in a position of financial deficit.

"The HEFCW budget shortfall has been largely replaced by an alternative funding steam, which principal Professor Michael Scott has earmarked for other areas.

"The targeted staff have a broad range of responsibilities in teaching, research and provision of training and contract research for industry and have been highly successful in securing research funding.

'Talk'

"The loss of these staff....is likely to jeopardise the employment of a further 12 research scientists and the education and future careers of 12 postgraduate students undertaking research towards their PhD."

Andrew Parry from Newi refused to comment on which part of the science department may be affected.

He said there were no redundancy proposals at this stage.

"We are now looking to see what we can do to resolve the situation.

"We're looking at alternative sources of funding.