A message from Ian Cheetham, Director of Human Resources:
Back in September, I gave an update on the ongoing pay negotiations for 2009-10 between the University & Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), representing 153 higher education employers, and the five unions representing staff in the HE sector (Unison, Unite, UCU, EIS and GMB).
The UCEA had put forward its final pay offer of 0.5% for the year 1 August 2009 to 31 July 2010, calling it “considered, realistic and responsible” under the current economic circumstances, and set against stringent limits of affordability in the sector as well as the context of the pay increases received last year.
The five trade unions involved consulted with their members over the offer. The results of the consultations were that only Unison accepted the offer and the other unions including UCU and Unite rejected the offer.
A series of meetings, facilitated by the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), have been held during November between the UCEA and the trade unions.
At a meeting, held on 24 November 2009, there was an extended discussion between the parties on the issues under review. The parties have undertaken to consult with their respective members on the ACAS ‘Digest on job security: a reference document for Higher Education institutions with input from UCEA and the HE trade unions’ which has been produced.
The UCEA Board will meet on Thursday 3 December 2009 to consider the current position.
The University of Bath, like most other higher education institutions, is awaiting the outcome of these consultations and not implementing the 0.5% offer at this stage.
Once agreed, any pay increase will be backdated to 1 August 2009.