A ballot on strike action closes next week

The Association of University Teachers said a "brain drain" to the US - where lecturers earn 42% more, according to its figures - was otherwise inevitable

The AUT's 47,000 members are currently taking part in a postal ballot on strike action over pay.

The union claims the average lecturer's salary has fallen by 40% in real terms since the early 1980s.

'Very strong case'

It also estimates the number of academics leaving for jobs in the EU and US has risen by more than 50% in the past five years.

In a speech last month, Tony Blair said: "An estimated 1,000 UK academics have left jobs here for universities abroad, a quarter alone going to the US."

AUT deputy general secretary Malcolm Keigh said: "I support any actions to prevent a further brain drain, particularly in the fields where we are world class.

"We believe we have made a very strong case to our members for industrial action.

"However, we are a democratic organisation and undoubtedly some members will have decided to vote against our strong recommendations."

According to the AUT, the average lecturer's starting wage is £23,000 a year.

Mr Keigh added: "If those who are against strike action win the day, we can anticipate that, in the very near future, around 2,000 academics will be leaving this country every year."