Over the last year a total of 20 lecturers and managers have lost their jobs at Newcastle College.

The announcement comes at a time when lecturers have warned of strikes in a long-running row over teaching hours and pay.

Members of the teaching union Natfhe expressed "dismay" at the job losses. A spokeswoman for the college said they were part of a "restructuring" drive.

Jackie Fisher, principal and chief executive of Newcastle College, said: "We are undertaking a restructuring within one of our schools.

"This is subject to consultation about any potential redundancies with those staff who are directly affected.

The good work of staff is being thrown away by the constant rounds of redundancies Iain Owens of Natfhe

"Further meetings are scheduled to take place before any outcomes are known."

Iain Owens, Natfhe North East representative, said the cuts were making staff feel insecure.

He said: "Newcastle College is in danger of getting a reputation for all the wrong reasons.

"It got excellent Ofsted results, but the good work of staff is being thrown away by the constant rounds of redundancies."

In the on-going dispute over conditions, the union said staff were unhappy with college management who want them to work 29 hours a week despite the fact workers at other colleges put in a 23-hour week.

Ms Fisher added: "This restructuring is totally unconnected with our current discussions about the new lecturing contract which I am delighted to report has now been signed by 86% of our lecturing staff."