THE PRINCIPAL of the University of Edinburgh has reportedly been awarded a five-figure pay rise, despite the looming threat of spending cuts.
Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, who is already the highest-paid vice-chancellor in Scotland, earned a basic pay of £348,000 and a total package of £418,000 in 2023.
In line with a 5% pay rise awarded to all university staff last year, the 65-year-old’s salary would have increased by £17,400, before pension supplements were added on.
This would have brought the total to around £20,000, however the university has not commented on the exact value of the pay rise.
The news has not been well-received, as Mathieson announced plans to reduce spending in August amid financial challenges in the higher education sector.
A 2.5% university-wide budget cut was imposed across the institution, with restrictions on staff recruitment for the foreseeable future.
Although he refused a pay increase in 2019, 2020 and 2022, Mathieson has also been criticised for having costs at his £1.7m townhouse in Regent Terrace covered, including utility bills.
The principal – who has previously faced calls to resign from the university’s student association – also regularly used university credit cards for business-class flights, private chauffeurs and five-star hotels.
Mathieson’s pay bump has been slammed by a senior at the University and College Union (UCU), who said the increase will “horrify” other staff members at Scotland’s top university.
Sophia Woodman, president of the Edinburgh branch of the UCU, said: “To be honest, I think most staff members will be horrified.
“Does Mathieson have to deal with the cost-of-living crisis when he has a salary over £400,000, a free house, free utilities?
“I think it is just really out of proportion to think that he requires the same pay rise as people who have had their salaries declining in real terms for more than 15 years.”
The principal’s pay has previously caused dissatisfaction amongst students, with a motion from the university’s student association calling for his resignation receiving a 95% vote to pass.
Slamming the “disgustingly high” salaries of senior leadership staff, the vote last November proposed his resignation in June this year.
However, he has remained in his position and shows no sign of leaving.
Speaking to the Scotsman, a spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh said: “Salary increases for the university’s senior leadership team are awarded in arrears, and are discussed and approved in the January remuneration committee following the year in which the rest of our staff receive their increase.
“In this case, the 5% relates to the 2022/23 academic year and is the same 5% UCEA [Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association] pay increase that was awarded to all staff and paid in two installments in 2023, with the final increase in August 2023.
“The 2.5% UCEA pay increase that was announced this year will be reviewed at remuneration committee in January 2025, which is when the principal’s pay increase would be decided.”
