Dame Glynis Breakwell, vice chancellor of Bath University, has been asked to resign following an emergency meeting over her £468,000 per year pay packet
Britain’s highest-paid vice chancellor was yesterday asked to ‘resign with immediate effect’ following an emergency meeting of university staff.
Academics at the University of Bath also vowed to join students in a protest aimed at removing Dame Glynis Breakwell from her post.
Dame Glynis earns £450,000 a year and lives rent-free in a £1.6million townhouse in one of the country’s most sought-after postcodes.
The 65-year-old also claimed more than £18,000 in expenses over the last year, including £8,000 on laundry and housekeeping.
On top of that, she was given a £31,000 interest-free loan for a car.
Students paying a six per cent rate of interest on their student loans have accused the university of shameless hypocrisy.
Yesterday’s meeting was the first chance for staff to air their grievances over Dame Glynis.
So many of them wanted to attend that the meeting had to be delayed as more than 100 turned up to have their say.
At the end of the meeting they unanimously supported a motion calling for Dame Glynis to ‘resign with immediate effect.’
They also agreed to join students in a protest at the university council building next Thursday.
Critics have long said there is a vast gap between the salaries of ordinary staff and those of management at the university, where students are charged the maximum £9,250 for tuition.
Dr Michael Carley, President of the Bath University and College Union, said: ‘Just how difficult the last few months have been for staff at the university was laid bare today.
Dame Glynis has faced widespread criticism over her salary, which stands in stark contrast to that received by other university staff
‘Hundreds of staff members from all parts of the university turned up and have made it quite clear they have absolutely no confidence in the vice-chancellor or chair of council.
‘Some staff were just clearly relieved to finally be able to speak out. Many spoke of a culture of fear that has haunted the institution.
‘We need a swift change at the top and if that change is not forthcoming we will be joining students next week to lobby the university’s council calling for the resignation of the vice-chancellor and chair of council and the remuneration committee.’
Dame Glynis has led the university since 2001 when it was a relatively small institution with 8,000 students and 2,000 employees.
Since then, the university has undergone huge growth.
There are now 4,800 members of staff and more than 20,000 students.
The period has also seen her pay skyrocket, making her Britain’s highest paid vice chancellor.
The 65-year-old was last year exposed for claiming £20,000 in 12 months – including £2 on biscuits – on top of her large salary.