The deal, agreed by the lecturers' union, NATFHE, and the Association of Colleges, was designed to bring pay up to the same level as teachers.

Lecturers are pushing for a 3% salary increase which was part of the deal.

The college says it is in discussion with the union and plans to make a pay offer later this month.

Around 80% of lecturers at the college are members of NATFHE.

Alan Reynolds, local spokesman for the union, said members were angry at the situation.

'Disappointed and angry'

He said: "We have campaigned for years for the government to properly fund further education.

"Now there is finally more money in the system to fund further education so there is no excuse for not treating lecturers on a par with school teachers.

"Our members are disappointed and angry the agreement is not being honoured."

The national deal, agreed by Education Secretary Charles Clarke, was for a 3% salary increase and the introduction of an eight-year pay scale instead of the present 16-year scale.

A statement issued by Gateshead College said: "The college is in discussion with the trade unions and expects to make its pay offer later this month.

"Gateshead College already pays its lecturing staff more than the salaries recommended in the national agreement, and the pay award it intends to make will increase the differential further."