Newcastle University

This was the second formal meeting in this year’s negotiating round.  The trade unions had presented their claim at the first meeting.  The headline item in their claim was for an increase on all spine points to ensure there is no real terms pay cut, with underpinning for lower-paid staff.

UCEA discussed further the unions’ joint claim, highlighting the exceptionally difficult funding settlements for 2011/12 and the considerable uncertainty facing the higher education sector at the present time.  The context for discussions included the pay freeze for the majority of public sector employees, the challenging future arising from significant changes to funding, the awaited White Paper on HE for England and the austerity measures being taken in the devolved administrations.

Against this background, the employers invited the trade unions to consider an offer of an increase of £100 on all points on the common pay spine (equivalent to an increase of 0.32% on the overall pay bill).  This is in addition to the incremental rises (2.9%) that many staff are likely to receive.  The employers also responded positively on equalities and training and development issues.
The trade unions recognised the difficulties facing HEIs but expressed their disappointment with the level of the offer.  They went on to say that they were rejecting the offer as presented.  They also sought clarification on some other points. 

UCEA asked that the trade unions and their members consider the offer, recognizing that it is made in difficult times.  A date for an additional, formal meeting will be confirmed shortly and there will opportunities for informal discussion in the coming weeks.