UNIVERSITY principals across the UK have been attacked for accepting significant pay rises at a time when staff are being threatened with pay cuts and rises in pensions contributions.
A new survey shows pay and benefits for university leaders increased, on average, by more than £5000 in 2011/12 – amounting to a 2.6% rise.
Higher education staff received a flat rise of just £150 in 2011/12 – the third successive year they were given pay rises below one per cent.
According to an annual pay survey by Times Higher Education and financial assurance company Grant Thornton the average pay and pensions package for principals is now almost £250,000.
However, separate figures for Scotland show that, while salaries are still significant, many principals have chosen not to increase their salary packages this year.
The highest paid university leader north of the border is Professor Sir Ian Diamond, principal of Aberdeen University, whose salary package amounts to £303,000.
Professor Anton Muscatelli, principal of Glasgow University, and Professor Sir Jim McDonald, from Strathclyde University, both get £290,000.
Professor Sir Tim O’Shea, principal of Edinburgh University, is paid a total of £285,000.
The highest-paid university leader in the UK is Andrew Hamilton, vice-chancellor of Oxford University, whose salary, benefits and pensions package was £424,000.
Commenting on the UK-wide situation, the UCU lecturers union said the lack of self-awareness from university leaders was an “embarrassment” to higher education.
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “While staff have had to endure sharp real-terms pay cuts, those at the top have enjoyed rises.
“It is particularly galling that this year a number of universities appear to have increased vice-chancellors’ pay packets because they can no longer swell their pension pots.”
A spokeswoman for Universities Scotland, which represents principals, said: “Institutions have shown restraint in senior pay increases recognising the tough financial environment.
“Universities in Scotland show an average increase of around one per cent with many principals taking no increase at all. Many senior teams have also declined bonuses.”
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