Strong university finances mean staff must be paid fairly

The call came as new analysis by the Office for Students shows that university finances are in good health. The latest recruitment figures also show unprecedented numbers of people applying to university.

Responding to the analysis, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Thanks to the hard work of university staff, the sector has emerged from the last year in robust health and more young people are applying to university than ever before. Staff have been forced to take huge risks during the pandemic and the money is there to invest in them so that students get the best possible education. With the sector in a strong financial position, there can be no excuse for employers' latest below-inflation pay offer of 1.5%. They must to work with UCU to provide secure pensions and restore pay to acceptable levels.  

'Universities will help drive the UK's post-pandemic recovery. The government should be doing all it can to support them. Instead, it is trying to cut funding to the arts and there are reports that it will cut university funding even further in the next budget. If ministers are serious about delivering a strong post-pandemic recovery, they must abandon all proposed funding cuts and help protect such a vital sector of the UK economy.'