Swansea students campaigning for a fairer education system were dealt a serious blow yesterday. The Waterfront newspaper has reported that as many as 179 members of staff employed by the university are living below the line of a living wage. This finding is in stark contrast to the £222k wage that Swansea University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard B. Davies, received during the last financial year.

In an article published on page nine of the Waterfront yesterday, I raised a concern that these figures show a lack of priority for the welfare of the people who keep our university running. A spokesperson for the university has stated in response:

"The vice-chancellor's salary reflects his responsibilities as the head of a large and successful university with an ambitious vision for the future and a commitment to providing the best possible experience for all our students."

Calculated by Centre for Research in Social Policy, the UK Living Wage (£7.45) reflects the average 'cost of living' across Britain. This is a rate that is annually reviewed and updated accordingly. In comparison, the national minimum wage (£6.19) appears largely out of touch with the everyday needs of most people.

Though only comprising 7% of Swansea University's employees, the 179 members of staff currently paid under the rate of the UK Living Wage are vulnerable to conditions of 'working poverty'; which occurs when someone is not able to support themselves and/or their families with the wages they receive.

Factors that go in to the research behind the annual UK Living Wage include everything from public transport costs to average house and food prices. The need for such calculations has even prompted the Greater London Assembly (GLA) to set its own London Living Wage (£8.55). A move that has received cross-party support from almost every political party represented in the GLA. Research carried about by Queen Mary, University of London has indicated that as many as 45,000 families have been lifted out of 'working poverty' thanks to these measures

“Paying the London Living Wage is not only morally right, but makes good business sense too.” – Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

An ambitious vision for the future for our university is not complete without ensuring a fair wage for all members of staff. A living wage at Swansea University would guarantee a lifestyle for its employees without concessions made to their welfare. Also importantly, it could improve the quality of the student experience; surveys have shown that 75% of employers providing a living wage have reported increases in the quality of work carried out by their employees as a result.

We have a real chance to improve the lives of 179 individuals and families here at Swansea University. As students, we need to be vocal about what priorities the university sets for itself. If the Vice-Chancellor was to accept a wage cut of just £179 (assuming no members of staff are paid less than the national minimum wage), these members of staff could be afforded a UK Living Wage. Students and staff alike would be afforded the quality and fair working environment that we deserve. Let’s not let down the people who work so hard to keep our education possible.

For more information about the Campaign for a Living Wage at Swansea University, please email ethics@swansea-union.co.uk