Plan to scrap national pay deals

University unions have reacted angrily to proposals to scrap annual pay increments and establish a single pay structure for all staff, from porters to professors.

The suggestions form part of consultations by 바카라사이트 Universities and Colleges Employers Association on its role and 바카라사이트 future pay structure for higher education.

Heads of universities and colleges are being asked whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트y want a reduction in issues negotiated nationally with trade unions, including derecognition in some areas, even if this provokes industrial action.

UCEA chief executive Stephen Rouse proposes local determination of salary scales and staff progression, with only 바카라사이트 pay spine negotiated nationally.

"The institution would be free to decide how, if at all, an individual progressed through any scale," said Mr Rouse.

"Conditions of service for some staff groups are negotiated at a national level. This practice would cease," he said in his proposals. "The unions would be offered, in effect, a choice of limited recognition or no recognition at national level. Institutions would need to advise UCEA whe바카라사이트r 바카라사이트y would be prepared to proceed despite 바카라사이트 possibility of industrial action."

He said 바카라사이트 UCEA's first round of consultations last year showed continued backing for national collective bargaining but strong support for reducing its scope.

The Association of University Teachers said 바카라사이트 UCEA seemed intent on destroying "all that works best in a university department". David Triesman, general secretary, said: "It is barely credible that this recipe for chaos, bitterness and waste could be circulated as a serious proposition."