Lecturers offered new pay deal

Lecturers had demanded a 28% wage rise

University lecturers have been offered a 7.7% pay rise over two years, in an effort to avert strikes.

Under the University and Colleges Employers Association's (UCEA) proposals, the worst-paid would become up to 12.7% better off.

Members of the Association of University Teachers (AUT) and National Association of Teachers in Further and Higher Education (Natfhe) had previously demanded 28% over three years.

They are calling for parity with secondary school teachers, who are currently better paid.

'Close to inflation'

Andy Pike, Natfhe's national officer for universities, said: "We will be taking a balanced view of the proposal.

"We are, however, concerned that the increase suggested for the second year will be 3%. This is dangerously close to inflation."

Natfhe executives will further discuss the proposals on July 29.

The AUT estimates that university staff have suffered a 40% drop in pay, compared with the rest of the UK's workforce, over the past 20 years.

A spokesman said: "This is a very complex package, not all of which is of benefit to our members.

"We will need to weigh up the implications carefully before our executive committee makes a decision next Monday."

Both unions have threatened strike action if their demands are not met.

Dr Geoffrey Copland, chairman of the UCEA board and vice-chancellor of the University of Westminster, said: "I am delighted that this major breakthrough has been achieved.

"The modernisation of pay structures in HE is long overdue. I believe that our new framework agreement will provide benefits for the whole sector - both staff and employers."

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, which represents vice-chancellors, added: "We welcome this significant development.

"Modernising pay structures has been a key goal for the sector and this provisional agreement is a positive step forward for us all."