A survey published today has found that eight per cent of institutions have a daily problem retaining academic staff, up from 2.2 per cent in 1998.

The survey by Universities UK says that older universities found it harder to recruit lecturers and professors than former polytechnics, with the problem most acute in the areas of law, engineering and IT, where salaries in the private sector are greater.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, told ePolitix.com: "The HE sector is doing what it can to tackle recruitment and retention issues, but additional funding is now vital to maintain quality.

"What is of concern to all universities is ensuring that our students, whatever their background, have a high quality experience. That requires university teaching to be informed by research, provided by high quality and motivated staff, in buildings fit for purpose and using modern equipment.

"The resources made available in England under HEFCE's "Rewarding and developing staff" initiative are welcome, but more is needed. Universities UK's submission to the Government's Spending Review 2002 identified an investment need of £9.94 billion over the period 2003/04 to 2005/06, to include very significant investment in human resources, the research and teaching infrastructure and to cover the cost of additional student numbers.

"This report clearly demonstrates that the HE sector faces increasing problems in both recruitment and retention. We welcome its findings as further evidence that the additional investment outlined in our Spending Review submission is now of paramount importance."

Forum Response: Association of University Teachers

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the AUT, told ePolitix.com: "The report's findings are a clear signal to ministers and vice-chancellors that unless there is substantial extra funding then universities will face an inevitable crisis. World-class research and a growing student population cannot be funded through ad hoc gimmicks and initiatives.

"Today's graduates are fully aware that they can earn more money in the private sector than working in poorly paid research or teaching jobs. Academia is an ageing profession with many crucial departments, such as engineering and chemistry, already over-populated with staff approaching retirement age.

"It is time for ministers and vice-chancellors to end the rhetoric and provide universities and students with the money that the sector desperately needs."