Academics accept latest pay offer

Unions say the offer is accepted 'reluctantly'

The threat of disruption to university lectures has been lifted as academics accept a revised pay offer of 3.5% for 2002/03.

In June lecturers were offered a 2.5% rise by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, but described this as "insulting".

Breakdown of the ballot results

AUT: 69% accept, 31% reject

Natfhe: 64% accept, 36% reject

EIS 81% accept, 19% reject

Now an improved offer of 3.5% has been approved by members of the Association of University Teachers, the Educational Institute of Scotland and the lecturers' union, Natfhe.

But the unions said the increase did not begin "to resolve the problem of low pay for lecturers".

The offer would do nothing to solve the crisis of staff recruitment and retention in UK universities, they said.

'Not a solution'

AUT general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: "The government needs to recognise that universities are now in crisis - because of rocketing student numbers and a total lack of appropriate funding."

"The only way ministers can resolve the issue is to give enough money to the sector, for the infrastructure to be properly supported, and for hard-working staff to be paid a decent wage."

Natfhe general secretary, Paul Mackney, said: "This is a delay, not a solution and lecturers will be frustrated by anything less than a significant increase next year to close the gap in pay compared to other professions."

EIS general secretary, Ronnie Smith said: "Members' pragmatism, in light of such a disappointing offer, is to be commended: yet another sign of their putting students' interests above their own.

"I hope the Scottish Parliament and higher education employers see fit to deliver adequate salary levels for all HE staff next year."