Newcastle University

This dispute is separate from the public sector pensions dispute in connection with which the public sector unions are also holding a strike on the same day.  The UCU is also involved in this dispute in relation to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.

For those members of the UCU who participate in the strike on 30th November, the following arrangements will apply.

The University will withhold pay for that day, calculated as 1/260 of the annual salary.

Contributions to the USS will continue to be made as though you were working normally. The University will apply the normal USS deductions to your pay for this month as though you were working normally, including any AVCs that you may be paying.  The University will also make its normal employer contributions.  You will therefore continue to accrue pension benefits and to enjoy life cover. 

You are asked to declare this by completing the online form. You may do this at any time either before, on or after 30th November but no later than Monday 5th December.

At the meeting of the USS Joint Negotiating Committee held on 27 October the employer and UCU representatives agreed to establish a working group at the JNC meeting in December 2011 to explore options, without prejudice, for future changes to the scheme within the context of the scheme's sustainability.  The JNC agreed that any further scheme changes should produce outcomes considered fair for scheme members and employer stakeholders.

If you have any queries you should contact Richard Burrow (tel: 6036 or richard.burrow@ncl.ac.uk ) or Garry Coupland (tel: 6056 or garry.coupland@ncl.ac.uk).