Too much academic networking revolves around football and drink

Industrial action also planned at University of Derby as rows over employment conditions deepen

13 November

Tension within union over whether pay dispute is a distraction, or helpful in galvanising branches trying to halt job cuts

13 November

University proposes to merge existing administrative functions into central hub but unions fear move will add to ‘enormous pressures’

7 November

University says moving employees from more expensive scheme will save it up to £11 million a year

7 November

Opportunities for informal scholarly interaction often leave many academics on the sidelines, says Jenny Pickerill