The staff enewsletter is brought to you by the Communications team. If you'd like to let us know what you think of the enewsletter, be it positive or negative, please send your comments to webcomms@leeds.ac.uk
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UCU disputes
The University's position on the various points of dispute raised by UCU, both nationally and locally, is summarised on the intranet (For Staff). The site is being updated regularly, and the briefings are being complemented by blogs (accessible via For Staff). Recent blogs include one in response to UCU's claim that a 1000 jobs are at risk at Leeds.
For details see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/homepage/78/ucu_disputes
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UCU national strike ballots
The UCU has notified its intention to ballot its members on national industrial action, covering pay, job security and pensions. The ballots will open on 17 February and close on 2 March.
Read the ballot notices at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/for_staff/dispute/ucu_pensions_letter.pdf
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2010-11 national pay settlement
The Universities and Colleges Association has recommended that universities should make arrangements to pay an increase to salaries of 0.4%, backdated to 1 August 2010. This increase will be implemented with February salary payments.
View the updated salary scales at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/comms/salary_scales/
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USS pension consultation response
Responses to the consultation with USS members on changes to the scheme have revealed two primary areas of concern. The USS board is recommending to the Joint Negotiating Committee that these concerns are addressed.
For information on the areas of concern and why changes to the scheme are necessary, see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1456/
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HEFCE announces funding for universities and colleges in 2011/12 HEFCE has announced the total funding available for universities and colleges for the financial year 2011/12.
For details and what it means for Leeds, see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1476/
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New e-recruitment system
The University has a new system to manage its recruitment. E-recruitment is about streamlining our recruitment processes and moving more of the process online. Candidates no longer have to download an application form - they can apply in full, online.
For more information see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1488/
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New blog post
Professor Richard Williams talks about the need to identify international development opportunities.
Read it at https://blog.leeds.ac.uk/?p=391
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Santander pledges support for Leeds students Santander, a long-time supporter of the University, has pledged a further three-year package of funding of student support worth £155,000 a year.
For more information see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1465/
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Portal unavailable Wednesday 16 February The Portal will be down on Wednesday from 10 am onwards for a database upgrade. It will be available again from first thing on Thursday 17. The Portal Team apologise for any inconvenience caused. Whilst the Portal is down, an alternative page will be shown giving links to log in to the systems that are normally accessed through the Portal (VLE, Student Services, Leeds for Life etc).
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Outgoing personal post
Colleagues are reminded that outgoing personal post - or post sent on behalf of a third party - must be stamped before it is put into the University's mail system: all post put through for franking in the Mail Room must be on official University business. This applies both to individual items of correspondence, and to bulk mailings. Quite apart from the obvious considerations of cost, it is important that no misrepresentation occurs through the use of the University's name in the franking of post that is not on University business.
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Winners of the VC's health and safety awards Colleagues' continuing innovation, diligence and good practice in heath and safety were recognised at the prize-giving ceremony for the Vice-Chancellor's Award for Health and Safety.
For winners see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1430/
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Blackwell open in the Union
Blackwell has opened a new book shop in the Union. This is in addition to the current shop on Blenheim Terrace.
For more information see http://forstaff.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/1459/
Send your story or comments on the For Staff website to the Communications team, email internalcomms@leeds.ac.uk or call extension 38562