Human Resources

Changes have been proposed to future benefits in USS, which have become the subject of industrial action by the UCU. Strike action called by the UCU is being held in February and March 2018.

Background

During 2017 the USS underwent its triennial valuation — a legally required, detailed analysis of the the scheme's funding position.

The results indicated that the USS could expect lower rates of return and higher levels of risk, increasing the cost of the current level of benefits. This means that either:

• more needs to be paid in to USS
• the level of benefits needs to be amended

This decision needs to be taken in time for the USS to demonstrate to the Pensions Regulator in June 2018 that the scheme's deficit is being addressed.

Subsequently Universities UK (UUK, the representative organisation for the UK's universities) put forward proposals for future benefits in USS. The UCU submitted alternative proposals which were considered by the USS's Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).

Current position

UUK's proposals were passed by the JNC in January 2018. The USS trustee is now planning a consultation with USS members that is likely to commence in mid-March.

The JNC recommended the UUK's proposals despite the opposition of the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU), who announced a programme of industrial action in protest at the proposed changes.

To help manage the impact of the action, the University has established an Academic Contingency Planning Group. This group, chaired by John Robinson, PVC for Teaching, Learning and Students, is working closely with academic and support departments to identify practical steps to minimise any disruption to our students.

On February 27 UCU and UUK announced that they had agreed to hold further talks with the involvement of ACAS. UUK have said the two sides had shown a willingness to work together to address the scheme's financial challenges. UCU General Secretary Sally Hunt has also said she was pleased that further talks had been agreed.

Information timeline

• Message from the VC and the President of the York branch of UCU
  12 March 2018

  Agreement on the staging of strike pay deductions.

• Update from the Vice Chancellor (email to staff)
  5 March 2018

  Update from Koen Lamberts on USS discussions and queries asked of him in open letters.

• Update from the Vice Chancellor (via Staff Digest)
  1 March 2018

  Update from Koen Lamberts on the further talks announced by UCU and UUK.

• UUK announces progress at talks with UCU
  28 February 2018

  UUK announced that progress had been made in talks with UCU on 27 February. Both parties agreed to involve ACAS and further talks are being arranged.

• Open letter to USS pension scheme members from Universities UK
  23 February 2018

  The latest update from Universities UK on the ongoing industrial action and pension reform.

• Update from the Vice Chancellor (via Staff Digest)
  23 February 2018

  Update from Koen Lamberts on the strike action and efforts being made nationally to address the dispute.

• UCU industrial action: strike action reporting
  21 February 2018

  Reminder for staff on reporting procedures for strike action, plus information about continuing pension contributions while on strike.

• Message and FAQs for staff about UCU industrial action
  12 February 2018

  Information for staff about the industrial action called by the UCU, including how you should report your participation.

• Staff Digest Extra
  8 February 2018

  Confirmation for staff of the dates of the UCU industrial action.

• Message to staff from VC
  31 January 2018

  A special edition of Staff Digest following the vote in favour of UUK's proposals for future benefits in USS and the UCU's announcement of industrial action.

• UCU announce strike dates
  29 January 2018

  UCU announce an escalating wave of strikes over a four-week period at 61 universities.

• Open letter from York UCU
  26 January 2018

  York UCU sent a letter to the VC expressing their disappointment with the JNC outcome, and calling for the reopening of negotiations.

• Revised UUK proposal for future benefit reform
  23 January 2018

  UUK's proposals for future benefits in USS. The USS's Joint Negotiation Committee voted in favour of these proposals on 23 January.

• Staff briefing document on USS
  19 October 2017

  A document shared with staff in the autumn term to accompany information sessions led by Jeremy Lindley, Director of Finance, on the USS valuation.

• USS 2017 valuation updates
  From 1 September 2017

  Updates from the USS on the valuation process.