Speaking following confirmation from the University and College
Union (UCU) that they will ballot members for industrial action
over the USS pension scheme, a UUK spokesperson
on behalf of USS employers said:
“We are disappointed UCU is campaigning for industrial
action over reforms to USS, as they have not proposed a viable
solution of their own. The USS Trustee’s assessment of the
scheme’s costs means reforms are needed; no change is not an
option. The employers’ reform proposal will prevent harmful and
unaffordable rises in contributions. UCU may not like the legal
and regulatory constraints pensions operate under, but it is
irresponsible to make students and staff suffer as a
result.
“The reforms voted for by the Joint Negotiating Committee
ensure good benefits can be provided for affordable
contributions, but employers will still consider alternative
solutions. Employers have asked UCU to put forward alternative
proposals, but as yet, none have been forthcoming. By proceeding
with ballots, the union appears unconcerned by higher
contributions, pay cuts, job losses, damage to the student
experience, and financial hardship for their members, that will
all result if employers are forced to pay more into
pensions.
“We have formally invited UCU to work with employers to
develop lower-cost options for members, consider alternative
scheme designs – including Conditional Indexation – and review
the scheme’s governance – these are issues where employers and
scheme members share a common desire for change.
“Universities are regrettably well prepared to mitigate the
impact of any industrial action on students’ learning, and
minimise disruption for those staff choosing not to take
part.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
-
USS is one of the largest private pension schemes in the
UK and is the principal scheme for academic and comparable
staff in UK universities and other higher education and
research institutions. Universities UK represents
the views of 340 higher education employers on USS.
