Pay talks

University employers and union leaders were to meet yesterday to break the deadlock over proposed pay scales for l995/96. The Association of University Teachers rejected a 2.1 per cent pay offer from the University and Colleges Employers Association. It had asked for 5 per cent, its lowest claim for the past three years. Employer proposals that would radically alter university and college pay structures were to be discussed today at a meeting of the AUT/Natfhe confederation. They envisage local determination of salary scales and staff progression.