BARNSLEY College has an excessively high record for sackings and disciplinary cases according to a regional union leader.

Russ Escritt, a regional official for UCU, told a public rally in support of sacked lecturer Bob Willerton the figures had stacked up over the last year or so.

Addressing the rally attended by almost 100 people including college lecturers and staff, plus members of other unions, Mr Escritt said he was appalled a the treatment of Mr Willerton, head of computing and engineering, and an employee for 26 years.

Mr Escritt said: "It is worth saying that it is not just Bob, there has been a history in the college for the last year or so of an excessively high number of disciplinary cases, a number of which have led to the sacking of staff.

"It is a higher rate than any other college that I deal with and I have no other explanation for it other than senior management thinks there is a need to get rid of people for various reasons." Coun Mike Stokes, former union branch secretary when it was the former technical college, said he wouldn't be associated with the college bosses until they improved industrial relations.

Mr Willerton was sacked last month after the way he dealt with a member of his staff almost a year ago and said being treated like this after 25 years was indescribable.

He added: "It is not just the loss of income and status but it creates a feeling of failure and self doubt _ it wears at you. I want closure on this and the charge of gross misconduct taking away from my record."

• Justice for Bob website