The majority of academics are considering leaving the profession over pay, working conditions and pensions, a new report has found.
In a survey of nearly 7,000 staff at more than 100 institutions by the University and College Union (UCU), two-thirds of respondents – 66% – said they were likely or very likely to leave the university sector within the next five years because of pensions, pay and working conditions. This figure rose for younger members of staff, with 81% of those aged between 18 and 29 saying they were likely to leave the sector.
Nearly three in four researchers said they would leave higher education over pay and working conditions, while for postgraduate students, this figure was four in five. UCU said this raised questions about the UK’s future status as an international leader on research.
