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Lecturers' union Natfhe has declared an official dispute with Derby University, escalating a campaign for better pay that already involves an international trade union boycott of the university. Industrial action and a vote of no confidence in vice-chancellor Roger Waterhouse are likely to follow.

The union has accused the university of reneging on a 1997 agreement to implement national pay scales within two years. Professor Waterhouse last month indicated that he was willing to meet and agree the pay increases, but Natfhe says he has refused to meet its officials until May 19.