Source: Alamy

Professor Docherty, a professor of English and comparative literature at the Midlands institution, has been?suspended since January, but it is believed the sanction will be lifted on 29 September, the first day of the autumn term.

Although Warwick has not publicly commented on his suspension, other than to deny that it is connected with his political views, THE?revealed in July that?Professor Docherty has been charged?with undermining the authority of the former head of the English department, Catherine Bates.

¡°Arrangements have been agreed which mean that Professor Docherty is expected to return to work very shortly,¡± read a statement from the university. ¡°As has consistently been the case, the university is not willing or able to comment further on the matter.¡±

It is unclear why the suspension has not been lifted with immediate effect, and the university would not confirm the specific date.

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However, Dennis Leech, president of the Warwick branch of the University and College Union, said he had been informed that the suspension was to end on 29 September, adding that he understood the disciplinary action against Professor Docherty ¡°would still go ahead¡±.

¡°If the internal tribunal decides to recommend his sacking, and that decision is confirmed by the vice-chancellor, then his return to normal duties will have been temporary in the extreme,¡± Professor Leech said.

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¡°Nevertheless we welcome the news,¡± he added. ¡°We hope now that the sense will prevail and the tribunal will find there is no case to answer and will throw out all the charges.¡±

chris.parr@tesglobal.com