The inaugural meeting of New JNCHES took place yesterday. All unions (Unite Unison EIS and GMB) bar UCU attended as full negotiators. UCU attended as observers.
The programme included signing off the New JNCHES agreement that HENIC had already approved.
Also discussed was the expectation for HEI's to pay the full RPI increase due in October (the current RPI is 4.8% but could move either way next month). Initial plans and timetable for the 2009 negotiations were also agreed.
New JNCHES agreed to set up a Pension Forum to work constructively on future changes in the different schemes LGPS, USS and local self administered trusts (SAT's).
New JNCHES also agreed to look at new agenda items for the existing Equality Forum to work on.
Planning for the next new JNCHES meeting in December also took place including asking HE Minister Bill Rammell MP to address the next meeting on HE items.
A joint press release was agreed and is attached with this Circular. Although UCU attended as observers they did not demur throughout the meeting. It was disappointing therefore to see their press statement issued immediately after the meeting critical of New JNCHES and other trade unions who attended. The general view is this was sour grapes and a dummy spitting episode.
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