Strike action has moved a step closer at a Midland college which is sacking nearly 500 lecturers and forcing them to re-apply for their jobs.

Lecturers at Walsall College of Arts and Technology have voted to be balloted for industrial action over the move, which is part of a restructure of the curriculum.

Lecturers' union Natfhe has threatened strikes, claiming there has been no consultation on the restructuring drive which will end A level provision at the college.

* Tell us your view on this story. Get in touch by email, messageboard or by sending a web letter to the editor *

It also maintains the 470 staff affected will be re-employed on inferior contracts, if they are successful in securing their jobs.

Tutors at the college were first informed of the threat hanging over their jobs before Christmas.

They have until next Monday to re-apply for their jobs.

Chris May, West Midland regional official for Natfhe, said: "Throughout meetings Natfhe has pressed for the rationale behind such a dramatic change in the curriculum.

"We wanted to know why the existing contract for lecturing staff would be an impediment to the changes and why the changes couldn't be phased in more slowly to protect students."

He said Walsall College's failure to answer its questions had led to the ballot.

A vote in favour of strike action would see widespread disruption to classes by the end of this month.

Natfhe also claims the college has broken the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 which calls for consultation before restructuring.

It is now drawing up plans to take managers to court.

The college said the A-level courses were being axed because they were not performing well and were failing to meet the needs of the local community.

It has given assurances that students half way through a course will be able to continue with their studies.

A spokesman said: "Walsall College is committed to improving and developing its curriculum offer."