ECU response to HESA findings that average age of UK academics is increasing

Commenting on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) Resources of Higher Education Institutions 2007/08 publication released today (29.05.09), Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Equality Challenge Unit said:

'The increase in average age of academic staff reinforces the need for institutions to consider removing the mandatory retirement age and engage positively with issues of succession planning. As the older demographic bulge works its way through the system there will be an increasingly pressing need for institutions to review the impact that retirement of that group will have on staffing structures.

The reduction in the use of fixed term contracts is particularly to be welcomed. Women are disproportionately employed on fixed term contracts, with significant negative impact on their careers. Until women and men are employed on an equal footing on permanent contracts, there will not be parity between men and women in terms of the career progress into more senior positions.'

Details of the findings can be found on the HESA website:

• Average age of academic staff increasing