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Industrial action by University and College Union members from 25 May onwards

23 May 2016

Clarification of the situation regarding the USS scheme rules and the University’s position in relation to death in service and ill health protection

Further to my communication on 17 May 2016, I wish to clarify the situation regarding the USS scheme rules and the University’s position in relation to death in service and ill health protection.

USS scheme rules

USS Scheme rules state that for a member of staff who does not advise that they wish to maintain their own employee contributions in full (ie at 100%), USS membership for the period of industrial action when 100% of pay is being withheld is affected as follows:

  • employer/employee USS contributions will not be made in respect of the salary withheld;
  • pension benefits will not accrue during each day of strike action and death in service and ill health protection is not provided.

If you do wish to maintain your USS membership and pay your full employee contributions as normal for each day of strike action we ask you to complete the pro-forma (UCU16). This form should be returned to Line Managers/Heads of School as soon as possible after each day/s of strike (USS scheme rules no longer require notification prior to each day of strike as previously notified).

Death in service cover and ill health protection

Notwithstanding that the University is not obliged to maintain death in service and ill health protection cover in circumstances where staff do not advise us that they wish to maintain USS contributions during the period of strike action, the University will on this occasion maintain death in service cover and ill health protection in such circumstances.

Deductions from pay

A deduction of pay will be made for all employees who take any strike action.

The University is entitled to withhold pay for all staff who take strike action and it has been decided to deduct pay at 1/260th of annual salary for each day of industrial action taken.

All staff who declare themselves as being on strike on 25 and/or 26 May will have their pay deducted as follows:

  • end of month payroll - June pay
  • mid-month payroll - June pay

Managers and staff will be informed when the deductions will be made for any other specific strike days as they occur.

Further updates on industrial action will be issued as soon as information is available. If you have any questions concerning this, please do not hesitate to contact your HR Partner, Head of HR or myself.

    

   

Karen Heaton
Director of Human Resources