A PAY row has erupted at South Devon College after top earners received twice the pay rise of the lowest, according to new figures.

Information released by public sector union Unison shows the college's senior staff had a pay rise of up to six per cent but the lower paid staff received just three per cent.

South Devon College was also one of many in the country which failed to pay the nationally agreed minimum pay increase of £550, claims Unison.

It was also revealed in the figures published by the union that the college principal earns £133,000 a year.

But the college says it pays all staff well above the minimum wage and tries to ensure good terms and conditions for all staff.

A college spokesman said senior staff wages are set by the Board of Governors who have to consider comparable posts elsewhere.

All support staff have received a pay rise of £500, or three per cent, according to the college.

Liz French, Unison regional organiser in the South West, said: "People should be paid at the rate for their job, but that applies to everybody.

"How can they see it as acceptable for some people to take a pay rise of three per cent and others to take six per cent?

"The £500 is only a small step, we want people to be treated the same, teachers and support staff deserve to be renumerated fairly."

A statement from South Devon College said: "The minimum hourly rate of pay at South Devon College is £7.34, well above the national minimum wage.

"South Devon College is an 'outstanding' college. Pay of senior post holders is determined by the Board of Governors with reference to external market comparisons. The college does not pay bonuses to senior managers.

"All support staff received a minimum pay rise of the greater of £500 or three per cent in 2008/09 and have received inflationary pay awards agreed with Unison since 2002/3, as well as progression on incremental scales.

"The college takes its responsibilities to staff extremely seriously.

"It is a large employer, providing employment for more than 700 full and part time staff. It seeks to maintain good terms and conditions for all staff."