UCU warns universities to pay up or face strike action

Delegates passed a motion warning employers that if they try to amend the terms of the third year of the deal they would trigger the union's disputes procedure.

Speaking ahead of the debate about higher education pay negotiations, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'I am aware of the rumours this morning that some institutions might try and unilaterally duck out of the third year of the pay deal. However, I find it disappointing, if unsurprising, that they have chosen to speak to the press instead of us when they know we are all here in Manchester.

'Members fought hard to secure their pay rises, they deserve those rises and they will get them. This is not a secret deal, universities have had two years to prepare for this, and I would be concerned about the financial acumen of any institution that has failed to budget for it.'

• HE sector conference: Congress 2008