USS scheme reform process and the UCU dispute
| NOTE: This page is for information only and details the situation as it was in March 2011. Further information relating to the proposed changes (which include the modifications to the original changes) has been made available - please click here. |
The below summarises the recent developments in the USS reform process, the UCU dispute in respect of this, and how this will affect the College and individual members of the scheme. The background to the changes proposed is available on the USS Review page of the HR website or externally on the USS website. .
- USS process
- Industrial Action by UCU
- What Next?
- Implications for Existing and New Members
- Further Information
After the HE employers responded to the results of the 2010 national consultation about the reform proposals, UCU members of the USS Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) have requested further negotiations on the changes. The employers have rejected this request on the basis that there have already been three years of negotiations, and decisions about implementation must now be made.
UCU have refused to attend further meetings of the JNC (see statements from USS JNC). A further meeting was scheduled for Thursday 17 March 2011 (details to follow). This has effectively frustrated plans to implement the changes with effect from 1 April 2011.
UCU recently announced the results of its ballot on industrial action in support of its campaign against the reform proposals. On a turnout of 36%, 64% of those voting supported strike action, and a rolling campaign of such action is to begin in England from 21 March 2011.
However, it is important to note that this ballot was conducted on an institution by institution basis, and only those UCU members at HEIs voting in favour of strike action will be expected to strike. RVC UCU members did not support the strike call, and will not therefore be expected to strike. If you are a UCU member and would like further clarification on this point, please contact your local UCU officers.
The USS Trustee Board met on 10 March 2011 and formally agreed implementation of the reform proposals would have to be delayed, not least because it is the JNC which is required to formally adopt the necessary rule changes.
The Board is committed to working with the HE employers and the UCU to resolve the current difficulties, but found it difficult at present to forecast when any changes to the scheme might finally be decided upon.
Implications for Existing and New Members
Until the position is resolved, the current rules of the scheme remain in place, this means in particular that:
- employee and employer contribution rates will continue to be deducted as at present;
- new USS-eligible employees taking up employment on or after 1 April 2011 will continue to be admitted to the scheme in the normal manner, including eligibility for final salary pension arrangements.
Further updates will continue to be posted on the USS Review page of the HR website, and members of staff seeking further information about the USS reform process should also refer to the Employers Pension Form (EPF), USS and UCU websites as previously advised.
A factsheet providing further information has been produced by the HE employers which can be accessed here: EPF Factsheet.
HR staff are legally prevented from advising individual members of staff on the advantages and disadvantages of the proposals for them personally, but they can answer any factual questions you may have about the review. HR staff can be contacted via the Meet the Team page.