Top stories

• Alternative funding models for higher education to be welcomed UCU today welcomed a report that looks at alternative funding models for higher education in England. The current system, which has been undermined by accusations that it was put together without proper research, will end up costing taxpayers much more than originally anticipated.

• University staff final pay offer falls well short of claim Trade unions* representing staff in higher education said this morning that they will not recommend a final pay offer of just 1% to their members.

• UCU response to Labour's skills report UCU today welcomed recommendations from the Labour Party for further education lecturers to spend more time in industry, but said the plans needed proper support from employers and financial investment from government.

• Risk of dispute in colleges after 0.5% pay offer withdrawn Unions are warning England's further education colleges of the possibility of a major dispute after national employer representatives, the Association of Colleges (AoC), took the unprecedented step of withdrawing a 0.5% pay offer.

• More students questioning value for money of degrees following hike in fees The increase in university fees has led to an increase in the number of students who do not view their course as value for money, according to a study released today.

• UK punching above weight in global university rankings, despite low investment The UK has the best pound for pound higher education system in the world, according to new global rankings released today. The tables show that, despite coming only 24th in terms of resources, the UK punches above its weight coming 2nd in terms of output.

• Greater investment in post-16 education to compete in Knowledge Economy UCU calls for increased funding for colleges and universities - the key to future economic success