More pay, fewer jibes

Academic and related staff have a strong case for their salaries to be increased, as the evidence from the Bett committee indicates. Let us hope that the government will ensure that universities receive the extra funding to address this long-standing injustice.

The Association of University Teachers has a duty to represent its members' case for an across-the-board salary increase forcefully and to present supporting evidence cogently. It does its reputation no good when its representatives engage in jibes such as that of Howard Moss directed against vice-chancellors in general and Howard Newby in particular (Letters, THES, February 11).

The salaries of all members of the professoriat and of the most senior staff in our university are subject to review by a remuneration committee chaired by the chair of our council. For all staff the annual review provides an opportunity to recognise achievement and performance beyond the national general salary award.

So lecturers, for example, may receive accelerated incrementation or be promoted. The professoriat and other senior staff not paid on an incremental scale will be eligible for a salary increase to reflect their contribution and achievement. Moss seems to be suggesting a pay structure that has no provision for recognising outstanding achievements by individuals.

John Lauwerys Secretary and registrar University of Southampton