Rome - Seven employees of a private security firm continued a sit-in at the top of the Colosseum in Rome on Saturday to protest against job losses, threatening to jump off if police attempt to seize them.

A doctor treated one of the seven - dubbed "gladiators" by local media - who apparently began suffering the symptoms of heat exhaustion.

The men first climbed to the top tier of the Colosseum on Friday, where they unfurled a banner that read "No To Job Insecurity" while supporters and colleagues cheered below.

After food and water supplies from supporters via a rope, they then spent the night on top of the ancient amphitheatre.

On Saturday morning they reiterated their threat to jump if authorities tried to force them down and renewed demands to meet a government representative.

Their recently privatised firm is reportedly planning a series of layoffs.

Rome's local government office has said the group would be granted a meeting on Monday. (dpa)