Lecturers barrack minister over pay

Up to 350,000 university students may be unable to graduate this summer because of the action.

Yesterday, Mr Rammell was greeted with shouts of "pay us the money" as he addressed the annual conference of Natfhe, the university and college lecturers' union, at Blackpool.

The union president, John Wilkin, had to restore order three times as angry delegates shouted at Mr Rammell. They unfurled banners proclaiming, "We know it's there, where's our share", as Mr Rammell urged them to settle their dispute when talks with the university employers resume at Acas on Tuesday.

Mr Rammell told the conference: "I am concerned about the impact on students of industrial action.

"I have consistently urged all parties to find a way to resolve this dispute and today, again, I urge that sanctions be duly lifted."

The employers have offered the unions, Natfhe and the Association of University Teachers, 12.6 per cent over three years. They are seeking 23 per cent.