UCU response to higher education funding letter

The union welcomed calls to reign in pay for a handful of high earners at the top, but reminded ministers and universities that staff pay had fallen in real-terms in recent years.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The government needs to think again about where taxpayers' money goes when it comes to higher education. With less money available we would question plans to expand the number of courses in for-profit education that have access to public funds, especially when there are still concerns over quality and accountability.

'BIS has to make up a huge shortfall in funding because of an overspend on student loans, largely caused by unchecked recruitment by private providers.

'UCU does welcome the letter's concerns about 'substantial upward drift of salaries of some top management.' Ministers are right to rebuke greedy vice-chancellors for their unjustified big pay rises, not least when according to the government's own figures average academic pay has flatlined since 2010. Unlike those at the top, all staff want is fair pay and we hope ministers will recognise this distinction.'

The grant letter is available here.