Universities jeopardise pay modernisation

Implementation of the agreement to modernise pay structures in higher education (HE) is in jeopardy, the lecturers' union NATFHE has warned.

Following the framework agreement between the HE employers and the unions in the sector (Amicus, the AUT, the EIS, the GMB, NATFHE, the T&G and Unison) in 2003, the process of moving to new pay structures is now under way.

However, last month NATFHE told the employers that some new universities are attempting to impose new pay structures without obtaining the agreement of the trade unions - a clear breach of the agreement.

In a warning to employers' body the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, the union has said that all discussions on local implementation will cease unless action is taken to ensure that individual institutions comply with the agreement by 21 January.

The framework agreement is designed to provide equal pay for work of equal value by increasing pay and benefits for all staff, but some employers are attempting to cut holiday entitlements and other benefits.

It has introduced a single pay spine for all staff in HE (apart from clinical academics), which currently runs from £10,560 to £46,296 a year.

"The new framework agreement took three years to negotiate," said NATFHE national official Andy Pike. "It is a great pity that the actions of a minority of institutions are undermining the prospects of successful national implementation."

As Workplace Report went to press, NATFHE's HE committee was preparing to meet to consider the employers' response and the union's future actions.