Following the March 2023 Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meeting, we wish to provide a progress update on three of the key commitments we made within the interim joint statement (dated 17 February 2023). These commitments were:
As universities prepare to welcome a new cohort of students, a new report by London Economics has revealed that higher education makes a £116 billion contribution to the UK economy - £130 billion including the spending of international students.
University leaders are warning that proposed reforms to post 18 education and funding in England would turn back the clock on social mobility while limiting the government’s own levelling up agenda.
The latest information provided by the USS Trustee suggests that the forthcoming 2023 valuation is likely to reveal a high probability of being able to improve benefits and reduce contributions.
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, President of UUK has responded to the release of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan.
See the full press release from NHS England here.
Commenting ahead of planned industrial action starting tomorrow (Wednesday 1 February) by the University and College Union, a spokesperson for Universities UK on behalf of USS Employers said:
Ahead of the autumn statement on 17 November, we are urging the Chancellor to recommit to uplifting investment on research and development. This long-term investment will ensure that universities can continue to support growth and prosperity across the whole of the UK.
Universities UK (UUK), on behalf of USS employers, has today issued a joint statement with the University and College Union (UCU) outlining how both parties are working together on the future of USS benefits.