FORMER Foreign Secretary David Miliband has praised Swansea students campaigning for better wages for university staff.

The Labour MP has been touring UK universities talking to students about issues at home and abroad, and yesterday he stopped off in the city.

While in Swansea he talked of his pride in the university's students for taking on a selfless campaign.

Labour students at Swansea University have been campaigning for staff not on a "living wage".

"There are members of staff in Swansea University who are on the minimum wage, but not a 'living wage' ensuring they can care and provide for their families," he said.

"I am proud of the Labour students. Most people think of students campaigning for themselves, but they are campaigning for the staff.

"This campaign is going on in 20 universities across the UK.

"The university's vice- chancellor has agreed to meet with students."

The living wage campaign is calling for a wage of £7.20 an hour. The main national wage rate for workers aged 21 and over in the UK is £6.08.

A spokesman for the university said: "Swansea University currently has a small number of staff (154 out of 2,679) on Grade 1 Spine Points 1 & 2 who have an hourly pay rate of £6.92 and £7.10 respectively. All other staff are above £7.10 per hour.

"The university implements national pay rates which are negotiated with trade unions and the Joint National Committee for Higher Education.

"Staff at the university also receive other generous benefits, for example the pension scheme and leave entitlements, and in addition have immediate access to crèche, catering and sports facilities."

Mr Miliband also took part in a 90-minute question and answer session with students from Swansea University and Swansea Metropolitan University. Students also travelled from Aberystwyth to take part.

He spoke to them about jobs, the economy and education, however, the MP said he was shocked no one in the 320-strong audience asked about tuition fees. "I was surprised there were no questions about tuition fees," he said. "Students were mostly concerned about the economy, employment — jobs for the young — how we can make Welsh devolution stronger, the strength of the union and Europe."

helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk