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The University and College Union's rejection of the 1.5 per cent pay offer for further education augurs ill for the consultation on the 0.5 per cent offer for higher education ("UCU FE members reject pay offer", 1 October).

This is a complex situation, but there are no consequence-free options available and the trade-off facing UCU members is stark. The prospect of deep cuts in higher education funding makes this a choice between a responsible pay settlement with the prospect of fewer job cuts and an altogether bleaker future for employment prospects in the sector.

Phil Harding, Chief finance officer, City University London.