Scholars to enjoy Imperial largesse

More than 250 Imperial College academics could benefit from the second round of its pay reform, with almost 100 staff receiving an automatic increase and 160 being considered for performance bonuses.

The new minimum wage for a senior lecturer or reader will be £35,249 and the maximum will be increased by £1,300 to £43,000. The increase will be awarded on a discretionary basis for "meritorious performance".

Professors who earn less than £45,000 will be moved up to a new minimum salary point, and those earning £45,000 to £50,000 will have their pay reviewed. Subject to "good performance", their salaries will increase relative to those who have caught up below.

The college said the cost of the new measures will initially be borne by it as part of additional funding received from the Higher Education Funding Council following the development of the college's human resources strategy. Future costs will be borne by departments and divisions.

Chris Gosling, director of human resources, said: "These changes continue the roll-out of our policy to improve the recruitment and retention of high-quality academic staff, and place the college in the strongest possible position within the academic pay league."

Mary Symons, president of Imperial College's local Association of University Teachers, welcomed the increase but was concerned about the salaries of non-academic staff: "The rector is keen to make Imperial pay staff in accordance with its international standing. We want to ensure this is true for all staff," she said.