No justification for pension cuts

UCU has told university employers to expect more industrial action, including a marking and assessment boycott, after UUK's proposals that will lead to devastating cuts to USS pensions were ratified at a meeting of the JNC today: Dispute 'far from over' says UCU as employers force through pension cuts

In a message to members, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said the higher education committee will consider escalating action on USS when it meets on Friday, which could include launching a marking and assessment boycott: Dispute 'far from over' says UCU as employers force through pension cuts

Responding to news that university vice chancellors had rejected UCU's compromise proposals even though the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) deficit has shrunk by around 80%, UCU said today that there is no justification for pension cuts.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'The funding update from USS shows that the deficit on which devastating cuts to our pensions are premised has shrunk by around 80% while the scheme's assets have soared to more than £90bn. The weak justification for university bosses' attack on staff pensions has now completely evaporated.'

Over the weekend Jo reported that UUK said the majority of employers still want to impose the cuts.