Pay and benefits update
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Simone Buitendijk, updates on pay and benefits following negotiations.
Dear colleagues,
I am writing to you as promised with an update following the conclusion of Acas-facilitated talks between the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and the campus trade unions. Pay negotiations have now concluded (for details see my email of 6 March). The first phase of the 2023/24 pay uplift will be received by colleagues this month, with the remainder being implemented from 1 August.
UCEA and the trade unions have committed to further national level talks on the non-pay elements of the 2023/24 negotiations – specifically on pay spine, workload, contract types and pay gaps. In the meantime, we will continue to take steps to address these issues locally, delivering on our Fairer Future for All pledges to reduce short-term contracts and boost job security, and to support a healthy and fulfilled staff community.
Discussions around the USS pension scheme are ongoing nationally. As things stand, the outlook is positive and all parties are optimistic that the significantly improved scheme funding position will enable an improvement of benefits for members, and a reduction in contributions for both members and employers by April 2024.
I will keep you informed as activity develops. Colleagues can also access UCEA updates as they occur via the UCEA website.
With best wishes,
Professor Simone Buitendijk
Vice-Chancellor and President