The college said the curriculum is not under threat

Earlier this week, the college, which has debts of more than �6m, announced at least 100 jobs are to go.

Representatives from lecturers' union Natfhe will meet South Shields MP and Schools Standards Minister Mr Miliband.

The college says it will keep redundancies as low as possible and the curriculum will not be threatened.

Branch secretary for Natfhe Eric Barker said: "Lecturers' concerns are that with the proposed radical cuts in staff, that educational standards will not be maintained.

Curriculum review

"We are seeking assurances from David Miliband and the management to ensure this does not happen."

The union will also be meeting Jarrow MP Stephen Hepburn.

Earlier this week, the college announced it was starting a period of consultation over redundancy plans.

The college is carrying out a review of its curriculum before making any decision about staff numbers.

College principal Pauline Piddington said the decision to look at redundancies is a last resort.

She said the curriculum at the college is not under threat.