Union bosses said today they would fight any plans for compulsory redundancies at trouble-hit East Brighton College of Media Arts.

Unison says it has been told four support staff will lose their jobs at the school.

However, Brighton and Hove City Council said everything possible would be done to avoid redundancies.

A spokeswoman said: "All staff have received a letter explaining that the governors have identified a need to reduce expenditure this financial year.

"The letter said it is anticipated the college will have to reduce its teaching establishment by two and support staff by four.

"It outlined a range of possible measures to avoid compulsory redundancies including redeployment, retraining and voluntary redundancies.

"It is too early to say whether any compulsory redundancies will be needed."

Unison said it was starting the process for a ballot on industrial action, not only at the college but across all its 3,500 members at the council.

It said one member whose job was threatened was the union's representative at the college, a long-standing member of staff.

Branch secretary Alex Knutson said: "Little thought is being given to children's education and none at all to the staff.

"Just when reassurance is needed to retain the commitment and loyalty of college staff, job cuts are announced.

"If just one of our members is sacked, the branch membership will bring the whole council to a standstill."

Councillors agreed on Monday to hold public consultation on the long-term future of the college. One option will be closure.

The council says the college continues to experience problems in recruiting both pupils and staff.