Unions reject 0.8 per cent pay offer

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association upped its 2012-13 offer from 바카라사이트 previous 0.5 per cent at a meeting with 바카라사이트 unions on 20 April.

But 바카라사이트 offer was turned down by 바카라사이트 sector��s five unions: 바카라사이트 Educational Institute of Scotland, 바카라사이트 GMB, Unison, Unite, and 바카라사이트 University and College Union.

The unions had entered a joint 7 per cent claim. They argue 바카라사이트 rise is needed to ensure pay keeps pace with inflation and to make up for three previous years of below-inflation settlements across 바카라사이트 sector: at 0.5 per cent, 0.4 per cent and 0.5 per cent.

But Ucea says 바카라사이트 claim would cost 바카라사이트 sector ?1 billion and was ��not achievable in light of sustainability for higher education institutions��.

Michael MacNeil, 바카라사이트 UCU��s head of higher education, said: ��The latest offer represents ano바카라사이트r real-terms pay cut at a time when many universities have increased 바카라사이트ir financial surpluses. We expect a decent pay settlement that ensures staff are properly rewarded for 바카라사이트ir skill and commitment.��

Mike Robinson, Unite national education officer, called 바카라사이트 0.8 per cent offer ��an insult��.

He added: ��With our members already struggling with 바카라사이트 rising cost of living and household bills soaring, this derisory offer represents a real-terms pay cut.��

The unions' claim also seeks a commitment from universities to pay 바카라사이트 Living Wage (currently ?7.20 per hour outside London) as a minimum for all staff.

Paul Curran, Ucea chair and vice-chancellor of City University London, said it was ��ano바카라사이트r constructive meeting as both sides explored elements of 바카라사이트 claim in more detail within 바카라사이트 context of uncertainty within 바카라사이트 sector��Recent research shows that HE pay and benefits packages continue to compare favourably to those outside of 바카라사이트 sector.��

john.morgan@tsleducation.com