A TEACHERS' union is mounting a campaign to prevent job losses at a County Durham college.

The University and College Lecturers' Union - NATFHE - said Derwentside College is looking for seven lecturers and two support workers to volunteer for redundancy.

A letter from the principal to staff said the action was needed because of the college's challenging financial situation.

Union members are now considering what action to take against the cuts.

Regional support official Joyce Harris said: "We are very shocked that they should be looking for so many cuts in teaching and support staff.

"Not only does this have a serious impact on our members but also the wider community in Consett.

"If they are cutting staff in Consett, then they must be cutting the curriculum, which will have an adverse affect on the opportunities available in the town.

"NATFHE members are determined to do whatever they can to prevent this happening."

Union chiefs have been in talks with managers at the college to discuss a way forward after a shortfall in future funding emerged.

They said the cuts make up ten per cent of teaching staff and 20 per cent of support staff, such as administration and clerical workers.

Staff have been given until Thursday to decide whether they want to volunteer for redundancy.

Mrs Harris said: "It is concerning that this is happening so quickly.

"Clearly, members are very angry at the announcement but branch officers will continue to work with management to reduce these redundancies.

"If it has been envisaged for some time it should have been possible to put some contingency plans in place."

The college opened its multi-million campus on the former Consett steelworks site in September 2002.

It provides courses for 11,000 students and has two satellite campuses in Stanley and another in Lanchester.

A college spokesman said: "Derwentside College is currently in the process of reviewing its staffing levels at all sites for the next academic year.

"This is direct consequence of a potential reduction of income 2005-06 from a number of sources.

"At this time there are no further details that can be disclosed until the conclusion of the college's staffing review has been finalised."