job security in education sector?

[3kids]

Hi all
Hope this is posted in the right forum
I am currently employed in the private sector by a multi-national company in an admin role. I am happy in my job (most days!) but my one concern is job security ... the company has had some lay-offs recently and there always seems to be a threat of more redundancies and there is always talk of the company moving to a low cost location.
A similar job opportunity came up recently in my local Institute of Technology which I applied for and am going for interview next week. This is a full time permanent role and I was wondering if anyone could tell me how secure jobs are in the education sector (institutes of technologies specifically). Would I be considered a public sector worker or are the IT’s / Universities considered private?
Should I get offered the job I don’t want to be jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire so to speak so any help/advice appreciated.
Thanks

 

[DrMoriarty]

Yes, it's public sector, and if it's advertised as a permanent post, it's just that, subject to a one-year probation period. The HR department at the IT in question should be able to answer any specific queries relating to the terms of the contract of employment. Impact is the trade union for administrative, library and IT staff, but their website is so poor that you'd be better off giving them a [broken link removed].

Good luck with the interview.