What’s happening?
National negotiations are currently taking place between the joint trade unions and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) on the 2025/26 pay round.
UCEA have made what they describe as a “full and final” offer of an increase of 1.4% on all pay points from 1st August 2025, and to delete pay points 5 and 6 of the pay scale later in the year.
The joint trade unions have stated they are “extremely disappointed with the offer and each of the five unions is recommending that their members reject the offer. The joint trade unions have all agreed to inform UCEA that the offer is unacceptable and to start the dispute process.”
UNISON’s Higher Education Service Group Executive met on 19 May and agreed that members would be consulted with a recommendation that the offer is rejected.
On 10th June, our own UoB branch committee voted unanimously to recommend to members to reject the offer.
In June and July, branch members voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer. 95% voted reject on a 63% turnout.
What happens Next?
It is now likely that our branch will move on to a postal ballot on industrial action. We will keep all members updated on every step of this process.