A university has been described as "heartless" as dozens of catering staff face the axe.

As many as 69 jobs are under threat at Glasgow Caledonian University after Cordia lost its catering contract with the institution.

The university is looking to replace five cafes and the main canteen on the campus, which are currently run by Cordia, with a variety of high street chains.

The workforce, some of whom have worked at the university for 25 years, are not covered by TUPE regulations, which would see their jobs and conditions protected in the event of contracts changing hands.

Caledonian University Combined Union Committee (CUC) met management on Friday to express "anger" over the handling of the catering contract after it was terminated early by the university.

CUC is now calling for the catering services to be taken in-house to protect existing staff.

The CUC said: "The decision has been made to impose an early termination of the contract with Cordia.

" This will result in staff many of whom have worked for years (in some cases up to 25 years) on campus losing their jobs in the run up to Christmas. The majority of these staff are low-paid women.

"The unions believe this approach seems heartless and goes against the Common Good motto of the university."

It added: "Although the staff are employed by Cordia they provide a face for the university for students.

"Management confirmed that the new catering model that they want to provide in their view will not be covered by TUPE regulations.

"The trade unions made it clear that they fundamentally disagreed with this approach and put forward plans of a different model for the catering staff to be transferred in-house

"This could be overseen by a board consisting of staff, management and student reps. This would allow existing Cordia staff to transfer and the University to get the full profits of the catering service."

A spokeswoman for Glasgow Caledonian University said: "The staff of Cordia who have worked at the university have played a much appreciated role in our community.

"The university is responsible for meeting the strong demand from staff and students for a modern catering offer with choice, diversity and healthy options on campus.

"Our new £32m refurbishment of campus facilities and the different character of our catering venues have brought fresh opportunities to deliver this variety by using a range of caterers rather than a single provider."

She added: "While the university, as a client, has no TUPE role, it is our understanding that TUPE is unlikely to apply.

"However, that is an evaluation which each future supplier will be making on their own behalf. "