The University has undertaken a series of ‘town hall’ meetings on the matter of the pension, and the VC is currently going around Schools to discuss the matter in smaller groups. We offer here some bite-sized notes, from questions that … Read more
Our pension scheme is yet again seemingly under attack by the people who are supposed to be looking after it. This time even the employers’ body Universities UK have made a public statement criticising the valuation. If you want to … Read more
This blog post is not intended and cannot be taken as financial advice. An individual should seek independent financial advice based on their own circumstances and objectives. One of the concerns that faces the USS pension is the number of … Read more
It is March 2021, and once again USS pension members have been told there is a ‘deficit’ in the valuation of the scheme. USS are planning further contribution increases, going up from 30% of salary (combined total of employer and … Read more
A is for Assets, but also for Assumptions. In the Universities Superannuation Scheme pension (USS), the assets are held as investments, mostly in stocks and shares but also partially in Gilts (see ‘G’) and in other asset classes. The USS … Read more
The second report of the JEP arrived last Friday, and it’s a crucial document within the context of the current dispute over the USS pension scheme. Again, it vindicates the positions that UCU has adopted in relation to both the … Read more
UCU Hardship + Fighting Fund Scenarios: Members who will experience financial difficulty as a result of strike deductions have access to two sources of assistance from the union: UCU Fighting Fund, administered by UCU HQLeeds UCU Hardship Fund, administered by … Read more
At our General Meeting on 3 December we unanimously passed a motion revising the rules for our local Hardship Fund to allow us to provide greater support to members facing financial difficulties due to pay deductions for striking. The local … Read more
From the picket lines this week, two committee members offered polite responses to an editorial in the Gryphon newspaper that addressed the causes of the current industrial action. Dr Laura Loyola-Hernández offered a response covering the chief aspect of the … Read more
Members will have seen in last week’s all-staff communication the reminder that our USS pension contributions will be going up from 8% of Salary to 8.8% of salary, as from your pay slip at the end of April. We will … Read more
