AUT calls for pay national review body

THE ASSOCIATION of University Teachers is disappointed by Dearing's failure to recommend a pay review body, claiming it reveals a contradiction in his plans for academic and related staff.

AUT general secretary David Triesman said that the main thrust of Dearing's report on staff in higher education was to ensure professionalism through the creation of a national framework of teaching qualifications. Mr Triesman said this was a tremendous step forward. But he said: "It is very clear that Sir Ron wants a national system of teaching accreditation yet he does not seem to carry this through to the question of pay.

"If he is acknowledging national professionalism and moving towards a chartered body for professional higher education teachers then should there not be national pay review for the profession. Other professionals, such as doctors and teachers, receive standard rates of pay determined through a national review body."