Lecturers' union calls for investment in universities

Nearly half of UK higher education institutions were in deficit last year, according to research by the Association of University Teachers (AUT).

The union says that 44% of universities were in the red for the year 1999-2000, a sharp rise from 28% the previous year. And the union warns: "Extra investment by government and a surplus in the sector as a whole are masking huge differences in funding between universities and threatening student expansion."

The research also revealed a sharp decline in expenditure on university staff, with the proportion of funding spent on teachers and staff falling from 70% in 1976-77 to 58% in 1999-2000.

AUT general secretary David Triesman, said: "Universities cannot continue to meet the

needs of the growing student population unless there is a real drive to invest money in research and teaching. UK universities are struggling to compete on the international stage as well as provide new opportunities at home."

The TUC and the National Union of Students (NUS) are trying to raise awareness of rights for working students. An online survey at www.tuc.org.uk/secondclass enables students to tell the TUC about their working conditions. John Monks, TUC general secretary, said that: "With the support of the NUS, the TUC will be able to reach out to thousands of students. Students need to know that unions are there to support them."