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Once again we have seen a derisory pay offer to academics and research staff within our universities.

And once again we have heard the standard outdated rhetoric of the Association of University Teachers complaining that its members are not getting a fair deal and pinning the blame on the government, the universities or anyone but themselves.

I am one of the large number of university staff who does not wish to be represented by the AUT and who points the finger of blame at the AUT and associated bodies.

The national pay scale - as vehemently supported by the AUT - must be seen as having a detrimental impact on the pay of those members of staff who are based in high-achieving departments.

As the universities and departments move continuously into a more market-oriented environment, the way in which university staff are paid should follow: those who work in the more successful departments should be able to command higher pay than those who work in under-achieving departments.

This, after all, is how the real world (ie commercial world) operates and one that would result in a higher average level of pay.

Name withheld by request