Unions representing workers across the UK higher education sector met employers yesterday for the second round of pay talks, and received an improved offer over that made at the first meeting on 26 March.
UNISON head of education Jon Richards (above) said: “While the employers made an increase to their opening offer, this still falls far short of the fair claim made by unions.
“As negotiations continue, the unions will push for an improved deal at the next meeting later this month.”
In March, the university employers said they had “an initial envelope for discussion of 1.3% across all the elements of the pay claim”.
This week, they increased that ‘envelope’ to 1.5% and spoke of a 2.5% pay rise for the lowest paid staff.
The unions and employers are due to meet again on 7 May.
