Ahead of planned industrial action by some members of the UCU on 24 November, 25 November and 30 November 2022, Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK, said:
Employers and UCU share the goal of a secure, valuable, and affordable retirement income for university staff. It is these dedicated and talented staff that enable us to carry out our world-leading teaching and research, and we want to continue working with the union and USS representatives to give them the best possible retirement benefits.”
“The USS remains one of the most attractive private pension schemes in the country, with employer contribution rates around three times higher than the average employer contribution rate among the FTSE 250 companies. We are saddened to once again be facing industrial action which could cause disruption to students and other members of staff.
Professor Steve West CBE
President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol
On possible disruption to students:
We understand that strike action is the last thing students want after the disruption they have faced because of the pandemic and from previous industrial action. This may be a worrying time for them, they may feel anxious about possible disruption. But I would send this message; universities are well prepared to mitigate the impact of any industrial action on students’ learning, and we are all working hard to put in place a series of measures to ensure this.
Professor Steve West CBE
President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol
You can read Professor Steve West’s full statement on the USS Employers website.
You can also access a suite of student communications materials, including Frequently Asked Question resources for students, on the USS Employers website.