Just a quick note following the meeting we had in Coventry on Friday
to count and evaluate the consultative ballot.We had a positive
meeting that considered two things;getting the employers back to the
table to talk about our claim and what our strategy would be if those
talks are inconclusive.
We now have a date and time to meet with UCEA,Thursday the 20th of
August, and we will be taking the following points to that meeting;
1.A joint National Redundancy Avoidance policy.
2.A pay increase or a lump sum for those on the first two grades.
3.That UCEA recommend to its subscribers that they move their pensions
schemes to either SAUL or USS.
4.To re open pay talks in January/February if there is an increase in the RPI.
There was a discussion on how we move forward if the talks are
inconclusive and apart from defining a strategy for strike action,we
emphasised the need for our membership lists to be up to date and that
our members are fully aware of the reasons for taking this
action.Simply put;This is now a fight for jobs and job security for
the future,and we need to be ready.
We will keep you all informed as the meetings progress.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Unite rejects 0.5 per cent pay offer
Unite rejects 0.5 per cent pay offer
The results of the consultative ballot recently carried out has seen an overwhelming majority to decide to reject the 0.5% pay offer.
The next stage is the implementation of the dispute procedure and to that end a meeting has been requested under the auspices of ACAS within the next seven days.
see Times Higher Article
The results of the consultative ballot recently carried out has seen an overwhelming majority to decide to reject the 0.5% pay offer.
The next stage is the implementation of the dispute procedure and to that end a meeting has been requested under the auspices of ACAS within the next seven days.
see Times Higher Article
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Joint Union Campaign
Defend Higher Education
We call for a national agreement to protect jobs in higher education and a fair pay settlement, and we call on university employers to mandate the UCEA to seek an agreement with the unions in the interests of our economy and our communities
see this link Defend Higher Education
We call for a national agreement to protect jobs in higher education and a fair pay settlement, and we call on university employers to mandate the UCEA to seek an agreement with the unions in the interests of our economy and our communities
see this link Defend Higher Education
Friday, July 31, 2009
National Pay
National Pay
To: To all members Unite working in Higher Education
Dear Colleagues
Terms and condition negotiations 2009-07-28
You may have read recent Circulars sent out by me about the lack of progress in pursuing a detailed claim for improvements in the terms and conditions claim presented during March 2009 by all unions operating in higher education. UCU also joined the negotiations in April.
I am sorry to report that your five negotiators, Dave Jones Manchester University, Hugh Lewsley Queens Belfast, Tony Britton University of East London together with John Toner Unite Regional Organiser in Wales and me as National Officer for Unite have made little if any progress on the aims contained within that claim. I should add we have also been assisted by Sandra Robinson Liverpool University who has also stood in as a deputy.
The joint union claim (Unite, Unison, GMB and EIS) included changes in holidays, improvements in the pay scales, moves to a 35 hour week for all, improvements in shift/on call payments and a host of other changes in flexible working. Your negotiators were not as naïve to expect all of these items or all at once. We were ready for the normal horse trading that comes from negotiations.
However at the very first meeting we were warned by the Employers Association UCEA that any move to increase pay would be paid for in job losses.
We asked if HE workers accepted a nil increase in pay, as some sectors in manufacturing had done, could the Employers Association sign up to no compulsory job losses. Their reply was they would not agree to stop redundancies even if we agreed to freeze pay.
According to the Employers Association if we negotiated a pay rise it would result in job losses and if we didn’t negotiate a pay rise it would still end up in job losses.
The joint unions including Unite thought in that case rather than just seek a pay increase we should also be trying to get a job security agreement; an understanding with the Employer on ways to avoid job losses by agreed job changes or flexible working or by ending contractors on site or perhaps seeking volunteers for redundancy.
To do that the joint unions drafted a job security and redundancy avoidance agreement. I should point out it was not a “no compulsory redundancy agreement” but rather sought to take remedial action in advance of redundancies by following established steps such as those described earlier. It was presented to the Employers negotiating body, UCEA, at the JNCHES negotiating in May 2009 but was firmly rejected by the Employers.
The Employers position was, to paraphrase, “jobs will be lost whatever happens but we will not negotiate a national agreement on the avoidance of job losses”. Why? In my view UCEA are afraid to reach an agreement as many Universities and Colleges do not want to be forced into an agreement but prefer to reach for redundancies as a solution rather than having the trouble to negotiate on avoiding redundancies as the law requires.
Following fruitless negotiations a series of meetings have been held at ACAS to try and get round the impasse. All unions including Unite have tried to find an acceptable way through. So far nothing has succeeded.
The Employers finally offered a 0.5% increase in pay at the last JNCHES meeting in July after stretching the negotiations over 3 months and increasing the offer only by 0.1% each time. It has been a complete farce and a sham.
For those members on £13,000 a year the final offer of 0.5% would give an increase in pay of £65 per year. After tax and national insurance it would be worth less than £1.00 a week.
Your pay increase is designed to ensure you are paid a fair level for a fair days work. It is also to compensate for inflation. Inflation can be calculated in several ways. Rent, council tax, mortgage rate increases need to be taken into account as does fuel costs and food price rises. Currently fuel and food inflation is exceeding the 0.5% final offer on pay.
Because your pay increase has to last until the next negotiations in August 2010 it is important that the figure is fixed at the correct level at the start. Too low and you are losing money. The Employer naturally argues it cannot afford too high an increase.
We know from Government funding allocations that Universities will receive significant amounts in their budgets for 2009 and 2010. However the Employers argue these will not be enough to meet anticipated costs on pension funding, capital spending and staff salaries. They argue funding levels are being capped. The Government has also promised a full review on student fees in 2010. Various commentators expect increases. Even Lord Mandelson says if fees rise students from poorer backgrounds should be assisted. So there is an expectation an increase is coming sooner or later.
Most Vice Chancellors cry poverty but are paid extremely well. They will argue they are paid the rate for the job or that they don’t decide their own pay, it’s done by a Senate or Staff Council decision or that any pay increase is within the rules. Sound a familiar argument to you?
To: To all members Unite working in Higher Education
Dear Colleagues
Terms and condition negotiations 2009-07-28
You may have read recent Circulars sent out by me about the lack of progress in pursuing a detailed claim for improvements in the terms and conditions claim presented during March 2009 by all unions operating in higher education. UCU also joined the negotiations in April.
I am sorry to report that your five negotiators, Dave Jones Manchester University, Hugh Lewsley Queens Belfast, Tony Britton University of East London together with John Toner Unite Regional Organiser in Wales and me as National Officer for Unite have made little if any progress on the aims contained within that claim. I should add we have also been assisted by Sandra Robinson Liverpool University who has also stood in as a deputy.
The joint union claim (Unite, Unison, GMB and EIS) included changes in holidays, improvements in the pay scales, moves to a 35 hour week for all, improvements in shift/on call payments and a host of other changes in flexible working. Your negotiators were not as naïve to expect all of these items or all at once. We were ready for the normal horse trading that comes from negotiations.
However at the very first meeting we were warned by the Employers Association UCEA that any move to increase pay would be paid for in job losses.
We asked if HE workers accepted a nil increase in pay, as some sectors in manufacturing had done, could the Employers Association sign up to no compulsory job losses. Their reply was they would not agree to stop redundancies even if we agreed to freeze pay.
According to the Employers Association if we negotiated a pay rise it would result in job losses and if we didn’t negotiate a pay rise it would still end up in job losses.
The joint unions including Unite thought in that case rather than just seek a pay increase we should also be trying to get a job security agreement; an understanding with the Employer on ways to avoid job losses by agreed job changes or flexible working or by ending contractors on site or perhaps seeking volunteers for redundancy.
To do that the joint unions drafted a job security and redundancy avoidance agreement. I should point out it was not a “no compulsory redundancy agreement” but rather sought to take remedial action in advance of redundancies by following established steps such as those described earlier. It was presented to the Employers negotiating body, UCEA, at the JNCHES negotiating in May 2009 but was firmly rejected by the Employers.
The Employers position was, to paraphrase, “jobs will be lost whatever happens but we will not negotiate a national agreement on the avoidance of job losses”. Why? In my view UCEA are afraid to reach an agreement as many Universities and Colleges do not want to be forced into an agreement but prefer to reach for redundancies as a solution rather than having the trouble to negotiate on avoiding redundancies as the law requires.
Following fruitless negotiations a series of meetings have been held at ACAS to try and get round the impasse. All unions including Unite have tried to find an acceptable way through. So far nothing has succeeded.
The Employers finally offered a 0.5% increase in pay at the last JNCHES meeting in July after stretching the negotiations over 3 months and increasing the offer only by 0.1% each time. It has been a complete farce and a sham.
For those members on £13,000 a year the final offer of 0.5% would give an increase in pay of £65 per year. After tax and national insurance it would be worth less than £1.00 a week.
Your pay increase is designed to ensure you are paid a fair level for a fair days work. It is also to compensate for inflation. Inflation can be calculated in several ways. Rent, council tax, mortgage rate increases need to be taken into account as does fuel costs and food price rises. Currently fuel and food inflation is exceeding the 0.5% final offer on pay.
Because your pay increase has to last until the next negotiations in August 2010 it is important that the figure is fixed at the correct level at the start. Too low and you are losing money. The Employer naturally argues it cannot afford too high an increase.
We know from Government funding allocations that Universities will receive significant amounts in their budgets for 2009 and 2010. However the Employers argue these will not be enough to meet anticipated costs on pension funding, capital spending and staff salaries. They argue funding levels are being capped. The Government has also promised a full review on student fees in 2010. Various commentators expect increases. Even Lord Mandelson says if fees rise students from poorer backgrounds should be assisted. So there is an expectation an increase is coming sooner or later.
Most Vice Chancellors cry poverty but are paid extremely well. They will argue they are paid the rate for the job or that they don’t decide their own pay, it’s done by a Senate or Staff Council decision or that any pay increase is within the rules. Sound a familiar argument to you?
Effect of Inflation
One of the main factors your negotiators have been looking at is what will happen to inflation over the period 2009 to 2010. Below are some forecasts that show the different inflation rate calculations over the period. Some are currently negative amounts but they are due to rise significantly into next year with some forecasts at or above 3% by early 2010.
The 0.5% offer from the Employers is being made at the lowest point in the inflation dip. It would save thousands off a wage bill if inflation and fees rise as predicted but your pay is fixed at less than the expected 3% rate. So settling too low now could mean your pay would be hit harder by inflation very early next year.
Unite has argued that it might be better to accept an increase now but to ensure a further increase in pay if inflation rises early next year. The Employers have firmly rejected that idea.
In other areas pay offers have been higher. Local Authority workers received a minimum of 1% from April 2009. Further Education workers received an offer of 1.5% for 2009-2010. Only in HE is the offer an abysmal 0.5%.
In order to make their final offer look better the Employers have even tried to argue that most staff will be getting an additional 3% as an incremental increase. This hints at desperation when Employers argue that an incremental point is a pay increase. It is not. It is part compensation and recognition for having gained more experience in the role. As you will know not all staff will receive an incremental increase.
The Employers have even blamed the low pay offer on pension increases for academic staff or increases in the USS scheme. Why academic or USS pension increases affect your pay increase has not been adequately explained to us.
Where are we going from here?
The two Unite HE committees in higher education (T&G and Amicus) have now met. Both rejected the pay offer and deplored the absence of a properly negotiated national job security agreement. Both wished members to have full consultation and to have workplace meetings or local ballots to decide their views. There will be a national count as soon as all groups have had their meetings and all the local results are known.
If the overall majority Unite vote is to accept the offer your pay scales will be increased by 0.5% even if inflation goes beyond 3% in early 2010 as predicted by some commentators. There would be no national job security agreement.
Your negotiators and national committee are recommending you reject the final offer of 0.5%. The aim is to join other unions rejecting the offer and to try and find ways of putting pressure on the Employers as part of a concerted campaign to raise the issues.
The negotiators need your help to raise the stakes. Without your full support the issues will not go any further.
Your negotiators recognise that times are tough. We hope you accept that the Employers are trying to take advantage using difficult economic circumstances this year to save themselves millions of pounds now. If the Employers were really serious about assisting job losses they could have offered or explored a wage freeze in exchange for a no compulsory redundancy agreement. They did not. If the Employers were really serious about job losses they could have gone the extra mile and signed up to a national job security agreement. They refused to do that.
Your union needs your help to press the case. If you and others reject the offer by a majority, your negotiators will seek to reopen negotiations for both a national job security agreement and an improvement in the pay offer but with the force of your rejection to back us up.
As negotiators we know your interests are paramount. We hope you trust that your negotiators know when matters need to be pressed further. In our view this is the time.
If the Employers still refuse to negotiate then you may be asked to vote in order to take the matter a stage further and possibly support a vote for industrial action. Before that stage is reached you will be briefed again and by law you will have a secret postal ballot sent to your home address. If that point is reached an independent scrutineer will count the votes and issue the result.
Both Unite groups have nominated local union representatives currently working in higher education to act as a national disputes committee to decide whether to take the matter to the next stage. That group may decide whether to move to any formal action ballot if further negotiations break down but that point has not been reached and we all hope it can be avoided.
In case further action is required we need to have your latest full postal address. At your local meetings your local union representatives will explain the issues again and ask you to up date records to ensure we have your current postal address.
This is precautionary in case we need a full postal ballot but the hope is that sense will prevail and negotiations will result in a settlement that includes an improvement in the 0.5% offer and a national job security agreement.
These are difficult times but that is no reason your Employer should take advantage of workers or simply refuse to negotiate on many important aspects least of all pay and job security.
Please reject the offer and send a message to each University, School and College in Higher Education in the UK that you and your colleagues will not be pushed around.
Don’t settle for less. You are worth more.
Yours sincerely
Mike Robinson
National Officer
Education Sector
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Pay Meeting
There will be a meeting on the Pay Offer on Wednesday 5th August at 12.30 at Stratford Campus in roon CCG.06
This is to advise you that recently Unite national committee meetings within higher education (T&G and Amicus) were held on the 21st and 23rd July respectfully.
Both committees considered the latest pay offer made at JNCHES by UCEA on the 15th July 2009. This was for uplift in salary scales by 0.5%. The union side request for a national job security and redundancy avoidance agreement was rejected by UCEA.
Both Unite national committees rejected the offer and agreed to hold formal consultation with members in each workplace to ascertain member’s views.
This is to advise you that recently Unite national committee meetings within higher education (T&G and Amicus) were held on the 21st and 23rd July respectfully.
Both committees considered the latest pay offer made at JNCHES by UCEA on the 15th July 2009. This was for uplift in salary scales by 0.5%. The union side request for a national job security and redundancy avoidance agreement was rejected by UCEA.
Both Unite national committees rejected the offer and agreed to hold formal consultation with members in each workplace to ascertain member’s views.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
2009 JNCHES Pay and Conditions Claim
2009 JNCHES Pay and Conditions Claim Unite T&G and HENIC Committee outcome
This is to advise you that recently Unite national committee meetings within higher education (T&G and Amicus) were held on the 21st and 23rd July respectfully.
Both committees considered the latest pay offer made at JNCHES by UCEA on the 15th July 2009. This was for uplift in salary scales by 0.5%. The union side request for a national job security and redundancy avoidance agreement was rejected by UCEA as my previous Circular MJR/VT/HE/16/09 makes clear.
Both Unite national committees rejected the offer and agreed to hold formal consultation with members in each workplace to ascertain member’s views. Further details of how local representatives should conduct those consultations and how local committees should return the results will be forwarded to you shortly.
I will also be writing to you later this week with a guidance document for members outlining the main reasons why the offer from UCEA and its University subscribers is considered inadequate and advising where Unite sees the solution to the contended issue.
Members will be asked to vote at workplace meetings or by a local ballot to either accept or reject the offer. The timescale to return all local responses will be by 12th August 2009 at the latest however please wait for the full documentation before holding any meetings with members.
Local union representatives are also being urged to ensure that workplace details for all members are up to date and how they can ensure records are updated. This is a precautionary activity in case the union needs to hold a full national ballot in due course. Full details on how to update records will also be sent to you shortly.
All full time regional officers and organisers of the union will also be contacted and asked to give local union representatives full assistance at any workplace meetings as well as verifying local votes before the results are forwarded to my office for final collation. FTO’s and their staff will also be asked to assist in ensuring all membership records are as up to date as possible.
This is to advise you that recently Unite national committee meetings within higher education (T&G and Amicus) were held on the 21st and 23rd July respectfully.
Both committees considered the latest pay offer made at JNCHES by UCEA on the 15th July 2009. This was for uplift in salary scales by 0.5%. The union side request for a national job security and redundancy avoidance agreement was rejected by UCEA as my previous Circular MJR/VT/HE/16/09 makes clear.
Both Unite national committees rejected the offer and agreed to hold formal consultation with members in each workplace to ascertain member’s views. Further details of how local representatives should conduct those consultations and how local committees should return the results will be forwarded to you shortly.
I will also be writing to you later this week with a guidance document for members outlining the main reasons why the offer from UCEA and its University subscribers is considered inadequate and advising where Unite sees the solution to the contended issue.
Members will be asked to vote at workplace meetings or by a local ballot to either accept or reject the offer. The timescale to return all local responses will be by 12th August 2009 at the latest however please wait for the full documentation before holding any meetings with members.
Local union representatives are also being urged to ensure that workplace details for all members are up to date and how they can ensure records are updated. This is a precautionary activity in case the union needs to hold a full national ballot in due course. Full details on how to update records will also be sent to you shortly.
All full time regional officers and organisers of the union will also be contacted and asked to give local union representatives full assistance at any workplace meetings as well as verifying local votes before the results are forwarded to my office for final collation. FTO’s and their staff will also be asked to assist in ensuring all membership records are as up to date as possible.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Higher Education E-Bulletin
Issue 34 February 2009
Contents
Colleges braced for harsh cutbacks
Supporting the economy a key priority for universities
Imperial College Students Union Recognition Win
The Campus Engage International Conference 2009
Bargaining Brief
A security boost for physics
Risks
Hundreds rally to fight cuts at London Met
UK Economy – TUC Site
Colleges braced for harsh cutbacks
Independent.ie, John Walshe Education Editor, January 28 2009
Staff at two universities have been called to urgent meetings to be told of severe cuts.
They include pay restraint, a freeze on filling most vacancies, restrictions on travel to conferences abroad, reductions in funding for schools and departments, and higher charges.
In Cork, University College Cork (UCC) president Dr Michael Murphy addressed staff yesterday. It will be UCD's turn tomorrow. In the meantime, 'An Bord Snip' is looking for information from the universities to see where they can make further savings.
Staff in UCC have already had their pay frozen for a year and contracts have not been renewed for many non-permanent employees.
Dr Murphy told yesterday's meeting the university would try to work through the difficulties without any job cuts.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://www.independent.ie/education/latest-news/
colleges-braced-for-harsh-cutbacks-1616852.html
back to top
Supporting the economy a key priority
for universities
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (National),22 January 2009
Supporting the economy through the recession and building a framework for the future of higher education are the two key priorities Universities Secretary, John Denham has set for the sector.
In his annual grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) John Denham has asked the Council to support and encourage the sector to use its huge resources to help deal with the consequences of the current economic climate and to lay the foundations for the future.
With equal priority, Denham has also asked for advice while developing a framework for the next 10 - 15 years to ensure that the higher education system remains world class in years to come.
He also recognises the need for HEFCE to maintain high levels of funding for those institutions with the largest volumes of world-class research whilst nurturing pockets of excellence elsewhere. John Denham will also ask HEFCE to explore ways to remove barriers to research partnerships between universities and both charities and businesses.
He also confirmed following indications in October that there will be funding for 10,000 additional student numbers this year. This means that in 2009/10 there will be 30,000 more funded students than in 2007/08. Numbers for 2010/11 will be allocated later in the year.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=390443&
NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False
back to top
Imperial College Students Union
Recognition Win
In December members at Imperial College Students Union won recognition for all casual staff. The employees being covered are mostly students who work on casual contracts. Commenting on the new agreement National Student Co-ordinator David Braniff-Herbert said 'The Student Union recognition win here marks the first of its kind for our student campaign, we look forward to building more agreements at Students Union across the UK '. Unite's Working Student Campaign has been running for over two years and has seen over 500 students join our Union.
If you would like to know more or would like to receive Student booklets and applications for this campaign, contact David Braniff-Herbert via email: David.Braniff-Herbert@UnitetheUnion.com. There is also a dedicated website for the campaign: www.UniteWorkingStudents.org
back to top
The Campus Engage International
Conference 2009
Higher Education and Civic Engagement Partnerships: Create, Challenge, Change.
Venue:
Campus Engage would like to invite you to its inaugural conference at Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin, Ireland. between June 4th-5th 2009. Higher education academics and administrators, people involved in community organisations and students, from Ireland and beyond are welcome.
The 2009 Campus Engage International conference will provide participants from community and higher education with an opportunity to discuss the potential for change offered by civic engagement partnerships in areas such as service learning / community-based learning, research, civic education and volunteering.
Four general conference themes related to higher education and civic engagement partnerships have been identified:
Philosophy
Practice
Policy
Partnership
Submissions are welcome from individuals but we also encourage collaborative contributions blending community, student and academic perspectives. While not exclusive, preference will be given to submissions that address the general conference themes outlined above.
The conference website link is:
http://conference.campusengage.ie/site/view/65/
back to top
Bargaining Brief
The latest Bargaining Brief (BB), January/February 2009, can be found at:
http://extranet.tgwu.org.uk/home.php?page_id=7&group_id=4
If you have any questions about BB please contact;
Steve Martin
Research Officer,
Unite the Union,
Amicus section
Mobile no: 07918 640597
back to top
A security boost for physics
Institute of Physics, 30 January 2009
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has announced that it will make permanent an allocation of £25 million each year to secure the higher education provision of strategically important subjects, including physics, from 2010 onwards.
Subjects such as physics, chemistry and chemical engineering are more expensive for universities to provide because of the increasing cost of laboratory facilities. In 2007, HEFCE allocated £75 million for three years to ensure the availability of courses in these strategically important subjects.
Peter Main, director of education and science at the Institute of Physics , said, “I am delighted with HEFCE's commitment to safeguard the long-term sustainability of university physics provision. This announcement sends a positive message of the government's support for physics and the contribution that physics graduates make to the UK 's economy.”
Source link:
http://www.iop.org/News/jan09/news_32595.html
back to top
Risks
Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 16,000 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week go to:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-15891-f0.cfm#tuc-15891-25
back to top
Hundreds rally to fight cuts at London Met
Rebecca Attwood, The Times Higher Education, 05 February 2009
Hundreds of staff and students have protested against the potential loss of as many as 500 jobs at London Metropolitan University.
The rally took place as the university's governors met last week to discuss the Higher Education Funding Council for England's plan to claw back millions of pounds in funding that London Met has been overpaid owing to problems with the university's data on student dropouts.
Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, has launched an early day motion arguing that the scale of cuts throws the future viability of the university into doubt and undermines efforts to widen participation.
The motion, which has been signed by 13 MPs to date, urges the university to reverse staff cuts and commit to "a thorough exploration of all potential non-staff savings through meaningful consultation with staff and campus unions".
As Times Higher Education reported last month, the university's University and College Union branch said that London Met could be asked to pay back as much as £50 million.
Hefce has confirmed that it is looking to retrieve money the university has been overpaid in previous years in addition to imposing a £15 million cut in the university's grant for 2008-09.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?
sectioncode=26&storycode=405287&c=2
back to top
UK Economy – TUC Site
The TUC publishes regular expert analysis of the UK economy and our place in the world. Here there are links to their most recent economics briefings and reports.
Their UK Economy site can be found at:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/index.cfm
back to top
This e-bulletin has been produced by Rick Graham, Unit Researcher for the Higher Education sector. If you have any news items or stories you would like included in this bulletin please contact Rick at:
Rick.Graham@unitetheunion.com
back to top
Issue 34 February 2009
Contents
Colleges braced for harsh cutbacks
Supporting the economy a key priority for universities
Imperial College Students Union Recognition Win
The Campus Engage International Conference 2009
Bargaining Brief
A security boost for physics
Risks
Hundreds rally to fight cuts at London Met
UK Economy – TUC Site
Colleges braced for harsh cutbacks
Independent.ie, John Walshe Education Editor, January 28 2009
Staff at two universities have been called to urgent meetings to be told of severe cuts.
They include pay restraint, a freeze on filling most vacancies, restrictions on travel to conferences abroad, reductions in funding for schools and departments, and higher charges.
In Cork, University College Cork (UCC) president Dr Michael Murphy addressed staff yesterday. It will be UCD's turn tomorrow. In the meantime, 'An Bord Snip' is looking for information from the universities to see where they can make further savings.
Staff in UCC have already had their pay frozen for a year and contracts have not been renewed for many non-permanent employees.
Dr Murphy told yesterday's meeting the university would try to work through the difficulties without any job cuts.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://www.independent.ie/education/latest-news/
colleges-braced-for-harsh-cutbacks-1616852.html
back to top
Supporting the economy a key priority
for universities
Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (National),22 January 2009
Supporting the economy through the recession and building a framework for the future of higher education are the two key priorities Universities Secretary, John Denham has set for the sector.
In his annual grant letter to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) John Denham has asked the Council to support and encourage the sector to use its huge resources to help deal with the consequences of the current economic climate and to lay the foundations for the future.
With equal priority, Denham has also asked for advice while developing a framework for the next 10 - 15 years to ensure that the higher education system remains world class in years to come.
He also recognises the need for HEFCE to maintain high levels of funding for those institutions with the largest volumes of world-class research whilst nurturing pockets of excellence elsewhere. John Denham will also ask HEFCE to explore ways to remove barriers to research partnerships between universities and both charities and businesses.
He also confirmed following indications in October that there will be funding for 10,000 additional student numbers this year. This means that in 2009/10 there will be 30,000 more funded students than in 2007/08. Numbers for 2010/11 will be allocated later in the year.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=390443&
NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False
back to top
Imperial College Students Union
Recognition Win
In December members at Imperial College Students Union won recognition for all casual staff. The employees being covered are mostly students who work on casual contracts. Commenting on the new agreement National Student Co-ordinator David Braniff-Herbert said 'The Student Union recognition win here marks the first of its kind for our student campaign, we look forward to building more agreements at Students Union across the UK '. Unite's Working Student Campaign has been running for over two years and has seen over 500 students join our Union.
If you would like to know more or would like to receive Student booklets and applications for this campaign, contact David Braniff-Herbert via email: David.Braniff-Herbert@UnitetheUnion.com. There is also a dedicated website for the campaign: www.UniteWorkingStudents.org
back to top
The Campus Engage International
Conference 2009
Higher Education and Civic Engagement Partnerships: Create, Challenge, Change.
Venue:
Campus Engage would like to invite you to its inaugural conference at Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin, Ireland. between June 4th-5th 2009. Higher education academics and administrators, people involved in community organisations and students, from Ireland and beyond are welcome.
The 2009 Campus Engage International conference will provide participants from community and higher education with an opportunity to discuss the potential for change offered by civic engagement partnerships in areas such as service learning / community-based learning, research, civic education and volunteering.
Four general conference themes related to higher education and civic engagement partnerships have been identified:
Philosophy
Practice
Policy
Partnership
Submissions are welcome from individuals but we also encourage collaborative contributions blending community, student and academic perspectives. While not exclusive, preference will be given to submissions that address the general conference themes outlined above.
The conference website link is:
http://conference.campusengage.ie/site/view/65/
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Bargaining Brief
The latest Bargaining Brief (BB), January/February 2009, can be found at:
http://extranet.tgwu.org.uk/home.php?page_id=7&group_id=4
If you have any questions about BB please contact;
Steve Martin
Research Officer,
Unite the Union,
Amicus section
Mobile no: 07918 640597
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A security boost for physics
Institute of Physics, 30 January 2009
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has announced that it will make permanent an allocation of £25 million each year to secure the higher education provision of strategically important subjects, including physics, from 2010 onwards.
Subjects such as physics, chemistry and chemical engineering are more expensive for universities to provide because of the increasing cost of laboratory facilities. In 2007, HEFCE allocated £75 million for three years to ensure the availability of courses in these strategically important subjects.
Peter Main, director of education and science at the Institute of Physics , said, “I am delighted with HEFCE's commitment to safeguard the long-term sustainability of university physics provision. This announcement sends a positive message of the government's support for physics and the contribution that physics graduates make to the UK 's economy.”
Source link:
http://www.iop.org/News/jan09/news_32595.html
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Risks
Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 16,000 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week go to:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-15891-f0.cfm#tuc-15891-25
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Hundreds rally to fight cuts at London Met
Rebecca Attwood, The Times Higher Education, 05 February 2009
Hundreds of staff and students have protested against the potential loss of as many as 500 jobs at London Metropolitan University.
The rally took place as the university's governors met last week to discuss the Higher Education Funding Council for England's plan to claw back millions of pounds in funding that London Met has been overpaid owing to problems with the university's data on student dropouts.
Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, has launched an early day motion arguing that the scale of cuts throws the future viability of the university into doubt and undermines efforts to widen participation.
The motion, which has been signed by 13 MPs to date, urges the university to reverse staff cuts and commit to "a thorough exploration of all potential non-staff savings through meaningful consultation with staff and campus unions".
As Times Higher Education reported last month, the university's University and College Union branch said that London Met could be asked to pay back as much as £50 million.
Hefce has confirmed that it is looking to retrieve money the university has been overpaid in previous years in addition to imposing a £15 million cut in the university's grant for 2008-09.
Click here to read the complete story:
http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?
sectioncode=26&storycode=405287&c=2
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UK Economy – TUC Site
The TUC publishes regular expert analysis of the UK economy and our place in the world. Here there are links to their most recent economics briefings and reports.
Their UK Economy site can be found at:
http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/index.cfm
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This e-bulletin has been produced by Rick Graham, Unit Researcher for the Higher Education sector. If you have any news items or stories you would like included in this bulletin please contact Rick at:
Rick.Graham@unitetheunion.com
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Friday, October 24, 2008
Human Resourcium
The heaviest element known to science was recently discovered by physicists. The element, tentatively named HumanResourium, has no protons or electrons and thus has an atomic number of 0. However, it does have 1 neutron, 125 assistant neutrons, 75 vice neutrons and 111 assistant vice-neutrons, for an atomic number of 312. The 312 particles are held together by a force that involves the continuous exchange of meson-like particles called morons.
Since it has no electrons, HumanResourium is inert. However, it can be detected chemically, as it impedes every action with which it comes in contact. According to the discoverers, one reaction that normally requires less than one second was extended to four days by the presence of a minute amount of HumanResourium.
HumanResourium has a half-life of approximately three years, at which time it does not actually decay but instead undergoes a reorganization in which assistant neutrons, vice-neutrons and assistant vice-neutrons exchange places. Some studies suggest that its atomic mass actually increases in each reorganization.
Research at other laboratories indicates that HumanResourium occurs naturally in the atmosphere. It tends to concentrate at certain points, such as government agencies, large corporations, and universities, and can usually be found in the newest, best appointed, and best maintained buildings.
Scientists point out that HumanResourium is known to be toxic at any level of concentration and can easily destroy any productive reaction where it is allowed to accumulate. Attempts are being made to determine how HumanResourium can be controlled to prevent irreversible damage, but results to date are not promising.
Since it has no electrons, HumanResourium is inert. However, it can be detected chemically, as it impedes every action with which it comes in contact. According to the discoverers, one reaction that normally requires less than one second was extended to four days by the presence of a minute amount of HumanResourium.
HumanResourium has a half-life of approximately three years, at which time it does not actually decay but instead undergoes a reorganization in which assistant neutrons, vice-neutrons and assistant vice-neutrons exchange places. Some studies suggest that its atomic mass actually increases in each reorganization.
Research at other laboratories indicates that HumanResourium occurs naturally in the atmosphere. It tends to concentrate at certain points, such as government agencies, large corporations, and universities, and can usually be found in the newest, best appointed, and best maintained buildings.
Scientists point out that HumanResourium is known to be toxic at any level of concentration and can easily destroy any productive reaction where it is allowed to accumulate. Attempts are being made to determine how HumanResourium can be controlled to prevent irreversible damage, but results to date are not promising.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Branch sends Donation to Sussex Members
Yesterday the Branch voted to send a donation to the hardship fund of Sussex University.
The donation of £200 was to be the start of a concerted fundraising that would see us commit itself to supporting the ongoing strike of our colleagues at this University.
The branch also agreed to send a delegation to the picket line in the near future - anyone interested please contact Tony Britton.
The donation of £200 was to be the start of a concerted fundraising that would see us commit itself to supporting the ongoing strike of our colleagues at this University.
The branch also agreed to send a delegation to the picket line in the near future - anyone interested please contact Tony Britton.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
RPI Hits 5%
You might have seen two communications from the chair of governors and the acting VC recently commending us on our hard work and how well the university has managed its finances - the good news is that following today's announcement of the September RPI we can look forward to a 5% pay increase.
Not sure whether the news will reach our payroll in time for this months pay date but it will be backdated from October 1st - we will be following this up with HR.
You will see if you look at the details in the UCEA statement that there is provision for Universities suffering financial hardship to defer payment - I would imagine that as we are going through IIP accreditation that might influence their decision not to !
That may also be dependent upon whether the University had it’s money in an Icelandic Bank though.
Not sure whether the news will reach our payroll in time for this months pay date but it will be backdated from October 1st - we will be following this up with HR.
You will see if you look at the details in the UCEA statement that there is provision for Universities suffering financial hardship to defer payment - I would imagine that as we are going through IIP accreditation that might influence their decision not to !
That may also be dependent upon whether the University had it’s money in an Icelandic Bank though.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
New JNCHES - Same old UCU
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.
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.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Health & Safey Links
Latest news on the Unite health and safety news website - click the link after each story for the full text. Remember to check the website at http://www.amicustheunion.org/safetynews/ for regular safety news updates.
Asbestos condition 'is a good thing' outrage
The trade union Unite has accused the insurance industry of fighting a 'virulent' campaign against recognition of the asbestos-related condition pleural plaques.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2438287.0.Union_criticises_insurers_over_asbestos_illness.php
Overwork and stress are top work concerns
Overwork and stress are the top problems facing workers, according to new TUC research.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-15245-f0.cfm
Promoting Health at Work
Guidance for Safety Representatives.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-15265-f0.cfm
Display Screen Equipment - online HSE case studies
Find out how organisations tackled computer user problems.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/casestudies.htm?ebul=hsegen/18-aug-2008&cr=16
Slips & Trips eLearning Package - Freely available autumn 2008
STEP is an eLearning package developed by the HSE, providing slips and trips guidance through interactive learning. It will be free to access this autumn - register now.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/step/index.htm?ebul=hsegen/18-aug-2008&cr=2
HSE statement of forthcoming regulations 2008-2009
This HSE statement details changes to occupational health and safety law and practice that are due to commence over the next twelve months.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/forthcoming.htm?ebul=hsegen/11-aug-2008&cr=8
Ladder exchange - starts 1 September 2008
HSE initiative 'Ladder Exchange 2008' aims to highlight the risks associated with using a dodgy ladder and provide employers with the opportunity to exchange their substandard ladder for a new one at a discounted price.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange.htm?ebul=hsegen/11-aug-2008&cr=5
Workplace bullying conference, Midlands 15-16 November
The UK National Work Stress Network is holding a conference on eradicating workplace bullying, including cyberbullying, on Saturday 15 November and Sunday 16 November 2008. The event will take place at the Hillscourt Conference Centre, near Birmingham.
http://www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=8996
Unite dismay as government report advocates less than three minutes a day for health and safety
A government report says small firms spend under three and a half minutes a day on health and safety admin but thinks, to the dismay of Unite, that this should be cut further to reduce costs.
http://www.amicustheunion.org/pdf/Government%20Report%20advocates%20less%20than%20three%20minutes%20a%20day%20for%20health%20&%20safety.pdf
Workplace wellbeing programmes 'proving effective'
Initiatives designed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees can have a positive impact, according to the results of a new government - funded pilot scheme.
http://www.hrreview.co.uk/articles/hr_strategy_and_practice/workplace_wellbeing_programmes_percentproving_effectivepercent_844.html
The Unite health and safety pages at http://www.amicustheunion.org/healthandsafety/ are updated regularly, and suggestions for additional information to add, or changes in the layout, are always appreciated. This is your website so please feel free to send an email if there is something you think is missing, or could be done better.
mailto:healthandsafety@unitetheunion.com?subject=websitesuggestion
Clare Baker
Health and Safety Adviser
Unite the union
email healthandsafety@unitetheunion.com
web www.amicustheunion.org/healthandsafety/
telephone 0208 462 7755
mobile 07958 624511
Sign up to @ctivist, Unite’s e-mail news bulletin. Distributed to 120,000 Unite members every month, the on-line @ctivist aims to set new standards in trade union membership communications in terms of immediacy, content and ‘look and feel’. http://newsweaver.co.uk/amicus/. If you do not have internet access please reply with your email address to sign up. If the link does not work you can reply to this email instead with Subscribe @ctivist in the subject line.
Subscribe to Hazards magazine, supported by Unite as a key source of information for union safety reps.
www.hazards.org/subscribehazards.htm
Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 13,000 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week, click here.
www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=242
Asbestos condition 'is a good thing' outrage
The trade union Unite has accused the insurance industry of fighting a 'virulent' campaign against recognition of the asbestos-related condition pleural plaques.
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2438287.0.Union_criticises_insurers_over_asbestos_illness.php
Overwork and stress are top work concerns
Overwork and stress are the top problems facing workers, according to new TUC research.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/economy/tuc-15245-f0.cfm
Promoting Health at Work
Guidance for Safety Representatives.
http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-15265-f0.cfm
Display Screen Equipment - online HSE case studies
Find out how organisations tackled computer user problems.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/casestudies.htm?ebul=hsegen/18-aug-2008&cr=16
Slips & Trips eLearning Package - Freely available autumn 2008
STEP is an eLearning package developed by the HSE, providing slips and trips guidance through interactive learning. It will be free to access this autumn - register now.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/step/index.htm?ebul=hsegen/18-aug-2008&cr=2
HSE statement of forthcoming regulations 2008-2009
This HSE statement details changes to occupational health and safety law and practice that are due to commence over the next twelve months.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/forthcoming.htm?ebul=hsegen/11-aug-2008&cr=8
Ladder exchange - starts 1 September 2008
HSE initiative 'Ladder Exchange 2008' aims to highlight the risks associated with using a dodgy ladder and provide employers with the opportunity to exchange their substandard ladder for a new one at a discounted price.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/ladderexchange.htm?ebul=hsegen/11-aug-2008&cr=5
Workplace bullying conference, Midlands 15-16 November
The UK National Work Stress Network is holding a conference on eradicating workplace bullying, including cyberbullying, on Saturday 15 November and Sunday 16 November 2008. The event will take place at the Hillscourt Conference Centre, near Birmingham.
http://www.amicustheunion.org/default.aspx?page=8996
Unite dismay as government report advocates less than three minutes a day for health and safety
A government report says small firms spend under three and a half minutes a day on health and safety admin but thinks, to the dismay of Unite, that this should be cut further to reduce costs.
http://www.amicustheunion.org/pdf/Government%20Report%20advocates%20less%20than%20three%20minutes%20a%20day%20for%20health%20&%20safety.pdf
Workplace wellbeing programmes 'proving effective'
Initiatives designed to improve the health and wellbeing of employees can have a positive impact, according to the results of a new government - funded pilot scheme.
http://www.hrreview.co.uk/articles/hr_strategy_and_practice/workplace_wellbeing_programmes_percentproving_effectivepercent_844.html
The Unite health and safety pages at http://www.amicustheunion.org/healthandsafety/ are updated regularly, and suggestions for additional information to add, or changes in the layout, are always appreciated. This is your website so please feel free to send an email if there is something you think is missing, or could be done better.
mailto:healthandsafety@unitetheunion.com?subject=websitesuggestion
Clare Baker
Health and Safety Adviser
Unite the union
email healthandsafety@unitetheunion.com
web www.amicustheunion.org/healthandsafety/
telephone 0208 462 7755
mobile 07958 624511
Sign up to @ctivist, Unite’s e-mail news bulletin. Distributed to 120,000 Unite members every month, the on-line @ctivist aims to set new standards in trade union membership communications in terms of immediacy, content and ‘look and feel’. http://newsweaver.co.uk/amicus/. If you do not have internet access please reply with your email address to sign up. If the link does not work you can reply to this email instead with Subscribe @ctivist in the subject line.
Subscribe to Hazards magazine, supported by Unite as a key source of information for union safety reps.
www.hazards.org/subscribehazards.htm
Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 13,000 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week, click here.
www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/index.cfm?mins=242
Friday, September 05, 2008
General meeting
Notice of Branch General Meeting
Note that as under the New Amicus Rules all Branches are now required to hold their General Meetings every two years in September for the election of branch officers and associated business. This will be our third General Meeting under this arrangement and we will elect our branch officers for the next two years.
Date: Wednesday 17th September 2008
Time: 6.30pm PROMPT (We hope to keep this meeting short)
To be followed by the Branch Dinner at 7.30pm.
(See separate invitation for venue)
Meeting Venue: University of East London
Romford Road
Stratford E15 4LZ
Agenda
1. Apologies
2. Minutes of July Branch Meeting.
3. Matters Arising.
4. Correspondence.
5. Chairman’s Address
6. Secretary’s Report.
7. Treasurer’s Report.
8. Election of Branch Officers for next two years.
9. Affiliations for 2008/9 (If time).
10. Other Urgent Reports.
11. Any Other Urgent Business.
I do hope to see you or a member of your group present for this, Branch General Meeting. Please see the Invitation for details of the meal and note the form for Election of Branch Officers.
Branch Secretary: D. Bingham, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road, Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489
EAST LONDON 0338 BRANCH
YEAR 2008 GENERAL MEETING
Election of Branch Officers till September 2010
As noted on the agenda an election takes place at this meeting for the Branch Officers. All posts are open and nominations are invited either from the floor of the meeting or in advance to the present Branch Secretary. Please ascertain that the person you wish to nominate is willing to stand. This will be the third election of Branch Officers under the new rules and officers will again hold the posts for two years.
The present posts and holders are listed below.
Post Current Holder Elected
Chair N. Seeley .......
Secretary D. Bingham .......
Treasurer T. Britton .......
Assistant Secretary J. Watts .......
Vice Chair E. Kiff .......
Education Officer P. Marriott .......
Health & Safety Officer K. Head .......
Women’s Officer P. Marriott .......
Auditors (2) J. Freeman .......
R. Stoker .......
Trustees (2) J. Dowding .......
F. Dowling .......
==========================================
D. Bingham, East London 0338 Branch Secretary, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road, Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489.
Note that as under the New Amicus Rules all Branches are now required to hold their General Meetings every two years in September for the election of branch officers and associated business. This will be our third General Meeting under this arrangement and we will elect our branch officers for the next two years.
Date: Wednesday 17th September 2008
Time: 6.30pm PROMPT (We hope to keep this meeting short)
To be followed by the Branch Dinner at 7.30pm.
(See separate invitation for venue)
Meeting Venue: University of East London
Romford Road
Stratford E15 4LZ
Agenda
1. Apologies
2. Minutes of July Branch Meeting.
3. Matters Arising.
4. Correspondence.
5. Chairman’s Address
6. Secretary’s Report.
7. Treasurer’s Report.
8. Election of Branch Officers for next two years.
9. Affiliations for 2008/9 (If time).
10. Other Urgent Reports.
11. Any Other Urgent Business.
I do hope to see you or a member of your group present for this, Branch General Meeting. Please see the Invitation for details of the meal and note the form for Election of Branch Officers.
Branch Secretary: D. Bingham, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road, Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489
EAST LONDON 0338 BRANCH
YEAR 2008 GENERAL MEETING
Election of Branch Officers till September 2010
As noted on the agenda an election takes place at this meeting for the Branch Officers. All posts are open and nominations are invited either from the floor of the meeting or in advance to the present Branch Secretary. Please ascertain that the person you wish to nominate is willing to stand. This will be the third election of Branch Officers under the new rules and officers will again hold the posts for two years.
The present posts and holders are listed below.
Post Current Holder Elected
Chair N. Seeley .......
Secretary D. Bingham .......
Treasurer T. Britton .......
Assistant Secretary J. Watts .......
Vice Chair E. Kiff .......
Education Officer P. Marriott .......
Health & Safety Officer K. Head .......
Women’s Officer P. Marriott .......
Auditors (2) J. Freeman .......
R. Stoker .......
Trustees (2) J. Dowding .......
F. Dowling .......
==========================================
D. Bingham, East London 0338 Branch Secretary, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road, Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489.
Branch Invitation
East London 0338 Branch
INVITATION
UNITE East London Branch
The Branch requests the pleasure of your company at the
September General Meeting & Dinner.
Wednesday 17th September 2008
6.30pm Meeting At U.E.L.
(see Agenda)
7.30pm Branch Dinner
The venue for this will be the excellent Spice Inn Indian Restaurant, where we have had very good meals and service. The address is:
22-28 Romford Road (Tel.020 8519 1399)
This is a short walk from the U.E.L. Meeting Venue
The meal will follow the short Branch Meeting, which will start at
6.30pm prompt at U.E.L. Please try to be on time.
The meal and drinks are to be subsidised by the Branch.
Because the meal is to be subsidised and we need to confirm the number of bookings with the restaurant so will you please advise Doug at the addresses below if you wish to attend, by at the very latest: Monday 15th September 2008, but if possible before.
We look forward to your company.
R.S.V.P.
Mr. D. Bingham, East London 0338 Branch Secretary, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road,
Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489 E-MAIL: d.bingham@virgin.net
Or Tony Britton, E-Mail: A.D.Britton@uel.ac.uk
INVITATION
UNITE East London Branch
The Branch requests the pleasure of your company at the
September General Meeting & Dinner.
Wednesday 17th September 2008
6.30pm Meeting At U.E.L.
(see Agenda)
7.30pm Branch Dinner
The venue for this will be the excellent Spice Inn Indian Restaurant, where we have had very good meals and service. The address is:
22-28 Romford Road (Tel.020 8519 1399)
This is a short walk from the U.E.L. Meeting Venue
The meal will follow the short Branch Meeting, which will start at
6.30pm prompt at U.E.L. Please try to be on time.
The meal and drinks are to be subsidised by the Branch.
Because the meal is to be subsidised and we need to confirm the number of bookings with the restaurant so will you please advise Doug at the addresses below if you wish to attend, by at the very latest: Monday 15th September 2008, but if possible before.
We look forward to your company.
R.S.V.P.
Mr. D. Bingham, East London 0338 Branch Secretary, The Tilings, 6b, Carlton Road,
Erith, Kent. Tel: 01322 336489 E-MAIL: d.bingham@virgin.net
Or Tony Britton, E-Mail: A.D.Britton@uel.ac.uk
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Links to Heated
see this link to the heated website
heated web site
As a first step I'll ask management about joining as an organisation
You may think, that the role champions as outlined are not sufficient - These are apparently only a "first go" at producing them and I guess we could well be looking at identifying other roles that don't appear on that list for example - Psychology technician or IT technician.
heated web site
As a first step I'll ask management about joining as an organisation
You may think, that the role champions as outlined are not sufficient - These are apparently only a "first go" at producing them and I guess we could well be looking at identifying other roles that don't appear on that list for example - Psychology technician or IT technician.
Heated - Role Profiles
Role Champions
You may recall I wrote to you recently about role profiles being designed by HEaTED, the new training body for technical staff. HEaTED held a major conference on the 10th June and Unite had around 20% of the 200 delegates attending as members.
HEaTEd are looking for technical staff who are prepared to act as "Role Champions" to develop good practice guides for new or developing staff.
Unite would like those "Role Champions" to be Unite members who are able to pass on their advice and support in line with trade union support.
The full list of the roles that the "Role Champions" are being sought for are as follows.
Technical Assistant,
Technician Audio Visual
Technician Stores
Technician Animal Welfare
Technician Support Central Services
Teaching Support -Arts
Teaching Support -Workshop
Teaching Support-Laboratory
Teaching Support -General
Research Support
Research Support- Laboratory or Workshop
Technical Specialist
Technical Supervision
Technical Management
If you are willing to assist in identifying the good practice elements for one or more of the roles then I would like to hear from you. If you think you can help but are not sure and want more details please let my office know as well.
Yours sincerely
Mike Robinson
National Officer
Higher Education
You may recall I wrote to you recently about role profiles being designed by HEaTED, the new training body for technical staff. HEaTED held a major conference on the 10th June and Unite had around 20% of the 200 delegates attending as members.
HEaTEd are looking for technical staff who are prepared to act as "Role Champions" to develop good practice guides for new or developing staff.
Unite would like those "Role Champions" to be Unite members who are able to pass on their advice and support in line with trade union support.
The full list of the roles that the "Role Champions" are being sought for are as follows.
Technical Assistant,
Technician Audio Visual
Technician Stores
Technician Animal Welfare
Technician Support Central Services
Teaching Support -Arts
Teaching Support -Workshop
Teaching Support-Laboratory
Teaching Support -General
Research Support
Research Support- Laboratory or Workshop
Technical Specialist
Technical Supervision
Technical Management
If you are willing to assist in identifying the good practice elements for one or more of the roles then I would like to hear from you. If you think you can help but are not sure and want more details please let my office know as well.
Yours sincerely
Mike Robinson
National Officer
Higher Education
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Pensions Update
Local Government Pension Scheme – Changes from 1 April 2008
On 1st April this year the new Local Government Pension Scheme will take effect with a new set of benefits for members. Despite the impending start, there are still some areas that are not in an implementable state so this overview outlines the areas where there is clarity. All your pension earned up to 1st April will be paid in line with the old 1997 scheme rules (1/80 pension plus 3/80 lump sum). Benefits earned in the new scheme will then be added to this to form your total LGPS pension on retirement.
Contribution Bandings
Employee contributions will be set according to bands of full time equivalent pay. The contribution rates for scheme members will vary between 5.5% and 7.5%.
Band Pay Range Cont Rate
1 £0-£12000 5.5%
2 £12001-£14000 5.8%
3 £14001-£18000 5.9%
4 £18001-£30000 6.5%
5 £30001-£40000 6.8%
6 £40001-£75000 7.2%
7 £75000 + 7.5%
Pension Calculation
For all service from 1st April 2008, your pension at Normal Retirement Age will be based on this formula:
Length of service × Final Pensionable Pay ÷ 60 = Annual Pension
Lump Sum
There is no automatic lump sum but you can trade up to around 25% of your pension for a lump sum at a rate of £12 cash for every £1 annual pension given up.
Retirement Age
The Normal Retirement Age of the scheme is 65, however, you can retire before or after that age. Usually your pension would be reduced for early payment (see below) or increased for late payment.
Final Pensionable Pay
Normally final pensionable pay will be your pensionable salary in your last year of service. If your pensionable salary was higher in either of the two years before that then the highest salary will be used. If you have reduced your hours or grade then the figure may be the highest consecutive three year average pensionable salary in the ten years before retirement.
Flexible Retirement
If you reduce your hours or grade in the run up to retirement and your employer agrees, you can take flexible retirement. This allows you to take some or all of your pension and continue working until you wish to retire fully when you’d take the remainder of your benefits.
Early Retirement – Voluntary
Despite the removal of the Rule of 85 you can still choose to retire before 65. You need your employer’s consent if retiring before 60 but not if you are over that age. Your pension will be reduced on the grounds that it is being paid early. For a man retiring at 60 the reduction is 24% and for a woman 23%. If you were a member before October 2006 and would have been able to retire early under the Rule of 85 you may qualify for some transitional protection that limits the amount your pension is reduced for early payment.
Early Retirement – Redundancy/Efficiency
If you leave employment on the grounds of redundancy or in the interest of the efficiency of the service and you are over 55 (50 for members of the old scheme up to April 2010), then you are entitled to the immediate payment of your pension, unreduced for early payment.
Survivors’ Benefits
If you die in service, your dependent should be in line for a death in service lump sum of three times your salary. If you die within ten years of retiring then your dependent should receive a lump sum of the balance of ten years’ of pension less any already paid to the member. A similar rule applies to deferred members although it is the balance of five years’ pension paid in that case. Survivors’ pensions are also payable to spouses, civil partners and/or children.
Additional Pension
You can make additional pension savings either through AVCs or by purchasing additional pension directly. You can buy up to £5,000 per year additional pension in blocks of £250 which would then be added to your annual pension when you retire.
Ill Health Pension
There are new ill health arrangements in the new LGPS 2008 and enhancements will be awarded according to likelihood of obtaining gainful employment after retirement.
On 1st April this year the new Local Government Pension Scheme will take effect with a new set of benefits for members. Despite the impending start, there are still some areas that are not in an implementable state so this overview outlines the areas where there is clarity. All your pension earned up to 1st April will be paid in line with the old 1997 scheme rules (1/80 pension plus 3/80 lump sum). Benefits earned in the new scheme will then be added to this to form your total LGPS pension on retirement.
Contribution Bandings
Employee contributions will be set according to bands of full time equivalent pay. The contribution rates for scheme members will vary between 5.5% and 7.5%.
Band Pay Range Cont Rate
1 £0-£12000 5.5%
2 £12001-£14000 5.8%
3 £14001-£18000 5.9%
4 £18001-£30000 6.5%
5 £30001-£40000 6.8%
6 £40001-£75000 7.2%
7 £75000 + 7.5%
Pension Calculation
For all service from 1st April 2008, your pension at Normal Retirement Age will be based on this formula:
Length of service × Final Pensionable Pay ÷ 60 = Annual Pension
Lump Sum
There is no automatic lump sum but you can trade up to around 25% of your pension for a lump sum at a rate of £12 cash for every £1 annual pension given up.
Retirement Age
The Normal Retirement Age of the scheme is 65, however, you can retire before or after that age. Usually your pension would be reduced for early payment (see below) or increased for late payment.
Final Pensionable Pay
Normally final pensionable pay will be your pensionable salary in your last year of service. If your pensionable salary was higher in either of the two years before that then the highest salary will be used. If you have reduced your hours or grade then the figure may be the highest consecutive three year average pensionable salary in the ten years before retirement.
Flexible Retirement
If you reduce your hours or grade in the run up to retirement and your employer agrees, you can take flexible retirement. This allows you to take some or all of your pension and continue working until you wish to retire fully when you’d take the remainder of your benefits.
Early Retirement – Voluntary
Despite the removal of the Rule of 85 you can still choose to retire before 65. You need your employer’s consent if retiring before 60 but not if you are over that age. Your pension will be reduced on the grounds that it is being paid early. For a man retiring at 60 the reduction is 24% and for a woman 23%. If you were a member before October 2006 and would have been able to retire early under the Rule of 85 you may qualify for some transitional protection that limits the amount your pension is reduced for early payment.
Early Retirement – Redundancy/Efficiency
If you leave employment on the grounds of redundancy or in the interest of the efficiency of the service and you are over 55 (50 for members of the old scheme up to April 2010), then you are entitled to the immediate payment of your pension, unreduced for early payment.
Survivors’ Benefits
If you die in service, your dependent should be in line for a death in service lump sum of three times your salary. If you die within ten years of retiring then your dependent should receive a lump sum of the balance of ten years’ of pension less any already paid to the member. A similar rule applies to deferred members although it is the balance of five years’ pension paid in that case. Survivors’ pensions are also payable to spouses, civil partners and/or children.
Additional Pension
You can make additional pension savings either through AVCs or by purchasing additional pension directly. You can buy up to £5,000 per year additional pension in blocks of £250 which would then be added to your annual pension when you retire.
Ill Health Pension
There are new ill health arrangements in the new LGPS 2008 and enhancements will be awarded according to likelihood of obtaining gainful employment after retirement.
Amicus in Higher Education Issue 29
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 Contents The end for national pay negotiations? Salary Sacrifice Schemes Recruitment and Retention Premium and Market Forces Pay Policies Future of engineering courses in doubt, say academics Unite evidence to the Innovation, Universities and Skills Committee’s hearing into the science budget allocation HEFCE and Salix launch fund to reduce greenhouse gases University forced to consult staff under information and consultation of employees regulations Applications fall as study options narrow Raising the Professional Profile of Technical/ Specialist Staff Watch Your Step in Education – HSE courses
Colleagues will have seen the press reports following UCU's ballot result rejecting single table bargaining and a streamlined negotiating process. AS previous Circulars from Mike Robinson indicated this could have an impact on the future of national negotiations. Read the link below for press speculation on this. The latest news is UCU are trying to get UCEA to meet and negotiate further but UCEA have issued its own press release saying the negotiations are now closed but UCU can join everyone else at the single table as the door is being “left open”. Click here to read UCEA's Press release and Briefing note: http://www.ucea.ac.uk/index.cfm/pcms/site.News.Latest_News_Release/ Report in the Independent: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/the-end-for
Several institutions in the Higher Education sector have been developing Salary Sacrifice Schemes or Smart pension arrangements. This is an increasingly popular device to reduce the cost of pensions. Essentially, it involves employees' salaries being reduced by the amount of their pension contributions and those contributions instead being paid directly by the employer. There is now advice on university schemes on the Unite Amicus section website and also a page where you can find details of already agreed deals. Click here to find out more: If you are being offered a salary sacrifice scheme at your institution please let National Officer Mike Robinson know on Mike.Robinson@unitetheunion.com
There is a new section on the Unite Amicus section website with details about RRP and Market forces policies from various institutions. It is only accessible for workplace reps and branch sectaries:
Universities are losing money running engineering courses and cannot afford to update ageing equipment, academics warned today. The Engineering and Technology Board (ETB) and the Engineering Professors' Council (EPC) claim the sustainability and the future quality of teaching is under threat because of the imbalance between the amount of public funding universities get and how much it actually costs them to teach engineering. A study by JM Consulting commissioned by ETB and EPC looked at differences in the costs of four universities in England in 2005-06, covering a wide range of engineering disciplines. It found that equipment was often old and out of date and universities are increasingly depending on fees from non-EU students to make up the shortfall in funds. Both ETB and EPC are calling for the level of funding universities get by 14% from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) to be revised to reflect the true costs of teaching engineering in universities. To read more in the Education Guardian click here: To read the study click here:
In response to cuts to physics grants Unite has submitted evidence to the Innovation, Universities and Skill's Committee on science budget allocations. Unite made it clear that these cuts would lead to unacceptable redundancies and course closures. The changes would have a major impact on the UK skills strategy and UK 's international physics standing in. Click here to read the submission:
Higher education institutions (HEIs) in England will benefit from a new fund to provide repayable grants for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This fund will be a partnership between HEFCE and Salix Finance Ltd (Salix) with both parties committing significant funds. HEFCE and Salix expect that there will be a combined total of around £30-40 million to distribute over the three years from 2008. http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2008/green.htm Also see further articles on the environmental performance of the HE sector here: Penalties on the cards for CO2 laggards Declare your footprint or face a fine from the EU
Bournemouth University is the UK 's first higher education institution to become subject to a law requiring businesses to give their staff greater access to financial information and to consult them over decisions. Under the Information and Consultation of Employees regulations, which came into force in 2005, staff have a right to be informed and consulted about key decisions likely to affect their employment. The law also entitles employees to information about their employer's economic situation. Universities are not automatically required to inform and consult; the duty is triggered only by a formal request from employees to negotiate an ICE agreement or by the employer choosing to start the process. To read more in the Time Higher click here: To read more about the ICE regulations click here:
New university admissions rules giving students a narrower range of course choices have left some universities facing a dramatic drop in applications for degrees starting in the autumn. The new system, designed to encourage students to think more carefully about where they want to study, means that applicants may choose a maximum of only five courses instead of the previous six. The sector had been warned that this could mean a potential drop in applications of about 17 percent, or a sixth. But 21 institutions have seen a fall in applications in excess of this figure, while 14 have run counter to expectations and increased applications (excluding small institutions with fewer than 1,000 degree applications). Overall, the average drop in applications was 9.2 per cent. To read more about the statistics in the Times Higher Education supplement click here:
(A one day joint HEaTED/IST Conference) Speakers/presenters Among the speakers already confirmed for this event are: John Perkins, (Dean and Vice President, University Manchester/Chair of the HEATED project), Jacqueline Goodall, University of Leeds , John Robinson, (Chair IST), Bob Hardwick (HEaTED Project Consultant) Matt Levi (HEaTED Project Manager). Venue: Whitworth Hall, University of Manchester . Completed nomination forms should be returned by Friday 2nd May 2008 to: Wendy Mason, Institute of Science & Technology, 90 Rockingham Street , Sheffield S1 4EB or fax: 0114 272 6354 Click here for the flyer:
55% of all accidents in education are caused by a slip or a trip. Last year, almost 2000 major injury slip and trip accidents in the education sector were reported to the Health and Safety Executive, 571 of which were to employees, a 5% rise on the previous year. 90% of major accidents resulted in a broken bone causing considerable personal distress and a significant amount of time away from work. To attend the Health and Safety executives courses follow the links below. Web site - http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/education/index.htm Events - several events already arranged. To register an interest in attending, fill in the 'contact us' page - http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/contact.htm
This e-bulletin has been produced by James Lazou, Research Officer for the Higher Education sector. If you have any news items or stories you would like included in the bulletin please contact James at: James.Lazou@unitetheunion.com | |||||||||||
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Age Profile of Members
Following the short survey we presented this to management. It very clearly portrays the ageing profile of the technician members of our group. Management have agreed to take on board this and reflect on how this wil impact on the workforce over the succeeding years. They have a lot of work to do to ensure that they have succession planning. We will keep you posted on the discussions taking place.
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