Petition on university pay deal

Student leaders said the pay increase was not value for money

Students at Keele University have started a petition against a 30% pay rise that has been awarded to their vice chancellor.

Students' officials said the rise would increase the salary of Professor Janet Finch by £50,000 to £212,000.

The university, in North Staffordshire, said the rise was justified because it is the first increase for the job for four years.

But student leaders claim the rise was unfair and was not value for money.

Student council organiser Owen Meredith said: "For students across campus accommodation and living fees are all going up.

"We're being asked to pay more all the time and our loans don't stretch.

"We can't see why we're expected to live off a £3,000-a-year loan off the government whilst she's been given a £50,000 pay increase taking her salary to £212,000.

"She isn't worth the money as far as students are concerned."