The University and College Union (UCU) has delayed the marking boycott that will see students unable to graduate, after employers offered a new pay offer.

Previously, universities had offered a 1% pay rise, but campaigners claim this is a 13% cut in real-term pay from previous wide-spread pay freezes.

University leaders have now offered a 2% pay rise, putting it above the current 1.6% inflation rate.

UCU has now delayed the marking boycott for a week, from 28 April until 6 May to ballot their members on whether to accept the 2% deal.

Vice Chancellors have come under fire for taking massive pay increases, with Swansea VC Professor Richard B Davies taking a £25k rise, or 11% of his current salary.

Student Rosie Luffingham said on the marking boycott: “They are there to teach and help students get their education so in the end it will only be the students who suffer.”

But student Eve Moriarty defended the lecturers: “It’s really bad to withhold the marks but I support lecturers striking for a fairer wage. In actuality their wages have decreased while our fees have increased.”

A Swansea University spokesperson said: “At this stage we’re won’t be commenting in advance of the ballot.”

If UCU members vote to reject the above-inflation pay deal, the boycott will take effect just before exams, leaving thousands of papers ungraded and graduation may be postponed.

Comment Below (Moderated)

comments