Push for a united front on pay

Pay talks between employers and the Association of University Teachers, which were adjourned last week without agreement, are expected to expand to include other higher education unions.

The AUT described the talks, which lasted more than three hours, as "extremely difficult".

Pressure is mounting for a quick agreement over the dispute so that employers and unions can present a united front in lobbying government for the extra cash called for in Sir Michael Bett's inquiry into pay and conditions.

Both sides agreed to further meetings, likely to take place in the next two weeks.

It is thought that college and university lecturers union Natfhe, and others such as public service union Unison and support staff union MSF, could be invited to attend.

Malcolm Keight, AUT assistant general secretary, said the talks had not made enough progress to cause the AUT to suspend its programme of industrial action over the 3.5 per cent pay offer, which it rejected in April.

The union is also angry at the refusal of employers to discuss pay inequalities between women and men and staff casualisation.

Action will continue with refusals to participate in the Quality Assurance Agency, the research assessment exercise and Ofsted procedures and appraisal.

Natfhe agreed at its national higher education sector meeting on Saturday to continue with plans to ballot members on joining the dispute.

Balloting will start in mid-October, with action likely to start in November.