University pay talks begin
UNISON describes first meeting as ‘constructive’
UK-wide pay talks for higher education got under way on the 26th March, involving employers and all five unions: UNISON, Unite, GMB and academic unions UCU and EIS.
Although no offer has been tabled, UNISON described the discussions as “constructive” and all parties have said they intend to make progress across all elements of the claim at the next meeting.
“UNISON has made it abundantly clear that our members want a pay increase that addresses the squeeze on salaries and rising living costs as well as institutional inequalities such as closing the gender pay gap and ending precarious employment in the sector,” says UNISON head of higher education Donna Rowe-Merriman.
The full claim is available on UNISON’s national website, but the two main points are:
- An increase to all spine points on the 50 point national pay scale of 7.5% or £1,500, whichever is greater
- £10 per hour minimum wage with all HEIs to become foundation living wage employers ensuring all campus staff are paid at least the foundation living wage rate
More updates to follow…