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USS update: announcement of further UCU industrial action

24^th January 2023

USS update: announcement of further UCU industrial action

The University and College Union (UCU) has announced that staff at 150 universities across the UK will strike for 18 days between February and March in disputes over pay, conditions and on USS pensions.  Both UUK and UCEA immediately responded to the announcement on behalf of sector employers.

 A spokesperson for Universities UK, on behalf of USS employers said:

“It is disappointing that UCU is planning more strike action. However, we expect disruption to again be limited in most universities, and will continue to work towards an agreement, as far as it is possible to do so, in the interests of all our staff. Meanwhile universities’ top priority will be to protect student interests and ensure they can continue with their education. To keep this in context, only around one in ten of those in the USS pension scheme voted to take strike action

“Industrial action already faced in recent years means universities are well prepared to manage pockets of disruption and will work hard to put in place a series of measures to ensure students do not miss out on the opportunity to learn.

“We share the goal of a secure, valuable, and affordable retirement income for university staff – it is only through their work that universities are able to carry out their world-leading teaching and research. We continue to meet regularly with union and USS representatives and are already working with UCU ahead of the next valuation which is due to start in March.

“It is important to remember that USS pensions remain among the most generous in the private sector. Employer payments have risen to 21.6% of salary, which is far higher than most other schemes.”

The context for the strikes, further information and updates can be accessed here.

Please note the CUC will continue to provide communications throughout this coming period.  If you would like any further information regarding any of the points in the update please contact John.Rushforth@universitychairs.ac.uk.