Catering staff at the Isle of Man College are being asked to come up with cost-saving ideas which could save their jobs.
Up to 17 part and full-time jobs could go in the refectory by the end of August.
It is thought the cuts are the result of reduced budgets caused by the loss of VAT income.
Stunned workers were informed of the news at a meeting on Tuesday.
North Douglas MHK Bill Henderson says it’s a bolt out of the blue and is urging the Chief Minister to intervene.
Education Minister Eddie Teare says job losses aren't inevitable and there'll now be consultation.
But he says the current financial loss – the refectory made a loss of ?182,000 last year - can no longer be sustained.
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