UNISON today welcomed the progress made in the latest round of pay talks
for higher education staff, which include a three year pay deal.
Unions representing Professional Technical Administrative and Ancillary Staff
(PTASS) said they were pleased with the commitment by the University &
College Employers Association (UCEA) to include a flat-rate element in the
pay offer to try to address the issue of low pay in the sector.
Two key elements of the PTAAS unions_ claim were for a reduction to a 35-
hour week and a joint statement underlining the need for equality in the
implementation of the Framework Agreement. The PTAAS unions are
continuing to push for serious progress on reducing hours, and have agreed
to report back to their respective executive committees on the offer.
UNISON National Secretary for Education and lead negotiator, Christina
McAnea, said:
_The unions representing these staff will give this offer serious consideration.
Because of the way the award is phased in, staff will receive between 11% to
14% in real terms in those three years, but at the end of the three years pay
will have gone up by at least 12.6%, and the lowest paid will go up 15.1%.
This is a significant improvement.
“However, achieving a 35-hour week remains a crucial issue for us and we
will be seeking further clarification from the employers. The PTAAS unions
remain committed to national bargaining and hope progress can be made in
achieving a deal that will apply across all sectors in higher education._
Note to Editors
1. The Professional Technical, Administrative and Ancillary Staff unions are
UNISON, AMICUS, TGWU and GMB
2. The offer from UCEA is:
August 2006 – greater of 3% or £515
February 2007 – 1%
August 2007 – 3%
February 2008 – greater of 1% or £200
August 2008 – 3%
February 2009 – 1%
For the lowest paid support staff pay will go up £1673 from £11,060 to
£12,733. For lecturers on point 43, pay will go up £4,743 from £37,643 to
£42,386.
