A lecturer suspended for criticising his department has been told he can keep his job.

Renowned psychologist  Ian Parker was banned from Manchester Metropolitan University after posting  an email to colleagues which appeared to question his line-managers.

But thousands of students joined a petition in support of the veteran lecturer. They  labelled his suspension by campus bosses a ‘massive overreaction’.

A disciplinary panel has now ruled the psychologist can return to work - although he has been placed on a ‘final written warning’.

He has also been ordered to apologise to senior managers for sending the email.

Professor Parker, 56, who is currently on a Far East book tour, is understood to be considering his response to the decision and could choose to

appeal.

His suspension in October prompted a massive campaign by students and lecturers.

A petition with 3,700 signatures was presented to the university’s vice-chancellor John Brooks earlier this month.

Among those backing the lecturer, who is an expert in ‘critical psychology’, was US academic Noam Chomsky.

Prof Parker faced charges of ‘gross misconduct’ after sending an email which expressed concern over recent appointments in his department.

University officials accused him of undermining his bosses – and argued he had failed to comply with reasonable management instructions.

An MMU spokesman confirmed the academic, who has been employed by the university since the 1980s, had been found guilty of misconduct but would be allowed to return.