 and the University and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), calling for an end to the row that has resulted in thousands of students graduating without grades this summer. UCU members began a national marking boycott across 145 UK universities in April. The militant union will hold a meeting on Monday for a new ballot for strike action. A fresh round of industrial action could start in the autumn and disrupt the university experience of thousands more students. The UCU, which represents academics, is demanding a pay rise that matches the retail prices index plus two percentage points, the equivalent of 12.7 per cent. It has rejected an offer of a rise of between 5 per cent and 8 per cent. 'Deeply concerned' In a letter to Jo Grady, UCU's general secretary, Mr Halfon said: 'Although the Government plays no formal role in resolving such disputes, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing marking and assessment boycott on students. 'It is unacceptable that students, many of whom have already suffered significant disruption to their studies over recent years, face further disruption and uncertainty. 'This disruption is particularly damaging to those students who are due to graduate and looking to enter the jobs market or progress to further study.' He added: 'It would be disappointing if future cohorts suffer similar disruption as a result of a marking and assessment boycott. 'Whatever the rights and wrongs of the current dispute, action that damages students' prospects is the wrong thing to do. I urge you and your members to do everything within your powers to protect the interests of students during industrial action in higher education.' In a separate letter to Raj Jethwa, chief executive of the UCEA, Mr Halfon said that universities sh){kind=link}
Robert Halfron calls for an end to dispute that has resulted in thousands of students without grades this summer
The higher education minister has urged universities and academics to end an “unacceptable” pay dispute as lecturers threaten to continue a marking boycott.
Robert Halfon has written to the University College Union (UCU) and the University and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), calling for an end to the row that has resulted in thousands of students graduating without grades this summer.
UCU members began a national marking boycott across 145 UK universities in April. The militant union will hold a meeting on Monday for a new ballot for strike action.
A fresh round of industrial action could start in the autumn and disrupt the university experience of thousands more students.