A study by the UK-based Association of University Teachers, examining the use of discretionary pay in higher education, found that white lecturers are 60 per cent more likely to be awarded performance related pay than their black and ethnic minority colleagues.

The study examined those staff awarded “discretionary points” when they reach the top of their pay scale. It shows that 21 per cent of white lecturers on the main lecturer pay grade have been awarded discretionary points compared to just 13 per cent of their black and ethnic minority colleagues.

“Once again we find evidence of discrimination in higher education,” said AUT general secretary Sally Hunt. “It is deeply disturbing that white lecturers are 60 per cent more likely to be awarded discretionary points than their black colleagues.”

The study analyzed data on staff and levels of pay provided by the university sector.

“Employers have known about this for a long time,” Hunt said. “They must accept responsibility for such failures and take some meaningful action to end pay discrimination in higher education. Sadly, I expect all we will hear will be excuses, explanations and examples of spreading good practice. That is simply not good enough as evidence of pay discrimination is clear and growing.

“It does not take much to introduce fair, transparent and equality-proofed procedures for awarding performance bonuses. All it takes is a willingness on the part of the university employers to move forward.”

AUT is calling on the university sector to take concrete action to end pay discrimination, “rather than just talking about doing so,” she added.