Dear Surrey UCU,

On behalf of the University of Surrey Students’ Union, I wanted to thank you for writing to us in relation to the USS pension dispute and to express our gratitude for dialogue on this and other issues over the last few months.

At our last Union Executive Committee meeting (9^th January 2018), we discussed the potential for strike action in the near future in relation to Jake Roberts’ motion ‘Standing in Solidarity with UCU and their Fight for Fair Pensions’. I have attached the final version of the motion, which passed following amendments.

In response to the passed motion, we have written to the Vice Chancellor, encouraging him to make his position within UUK on the pensions dispute known, and to help support a swift mutually-agreeable outcome in negotiations. Furthermore, we will be raising awareness of the issue and will encourage PGR members of UCU to engage in the discussion and make use of their voting rights.

One of the key concerns discussed at the Executive Committee meeting surrounded the impact of a strike to students. Whilst we appreciate the long-term ramifications of the current proposals, we must be sensitive to the disruption that sustained industrial action could cause for our membership. With this in mind, we are not currently taking a position in relation to the dispute beyond wishing to minimise the disruption which may arise from a strike. However, we would like to emphasise the importance that we remain in close contact as the situation develops and – where it does not significantly conflict with the interests of our membership – support Surrey UCU.

Yours sincerely,

Saskia Cochrane

President of USSU

On behalf of the USSU Executive Committee

Standing in solidarity with UCU and their fight for fair pensions!

Proposed by: Jake Roberts (subsequently amended by the Executive Committee)

USSU notes:

1. The University and College Union (UCU) is currently balloting its members for strike action over Universities UK’s (UUK’s) plans to scrap guaranteed pension benefits from the sector’s main retirement fund.
   1. This ballot closes on Friday 19^th[i]
   2. The action proposed by the national UCU includes a series of strikes by lecturers, as well as refusals to reschedule classes or substitute for sick colleagues, to be held in February next year.[ii] This does not necessarily describe what action Surrey UCU will take, however.
2. Independent analysis from First Actuarial estimates that UUK’s plans would reduce retirement benefits paid by between 20% and 40%, depending upon grade and length of service.[iii]
3. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt has said the plans would leave academics “facing years of stress about whether their pension investments are returning enough income to live on”[iv]
4. UCU represents academic staff in the UK, including researchers, postgraduate researchers, teaching staff, and permanent lecturers. It has around 40,000 members.
5. UUK is an advocacy organisation for all UK universities, whose membership consists of all the vice-chancellors or principals of universities in the UK.
6. A consultative ballot of UCU members in October 2017 showed that nearly 87% of UCU members were prepared to take industrial action over the issue.[v]
7. Under the Trade Union Act 2016, industrial action is now only lawful if a ballot turnout is at least 50%.[vi]
8. USSU represents around 3,600 postgraduate students at Surrey, some of whom are represented by UCU (though not necessarily affected by the pension changes).[vii]

USSU believes:

1. All academic staff have a right to job security. Fair pensions are a key part of this security.
2. UCU members should go on strike to protect their pensions, or take action short of a strike.
3. Lecturers’ working conditions are students’ learning The well-being and job security of students’ teachers and lecturers is not just a staff issue, it is also a student one.
4. The success of any potential strike action depends on the mobilisation of as many UCU members as possible, across the country. Students’ unions have an important role to play in this mobilisation, as institutions of significant resources and memberships.

USSU resolves:

1. To encourage PGR UCU members to vote in the ballot for industrial action.
   1. This involves raising awareness of the dispute on the Union’s Facebook and Twitter pages, and other social media, amongst other things.[viii]
2. To be in close contact with Surrey UCU throughout the period of balloting and potential industrial action, and offer firm support for any of their needs that do not conflict with USSU’s members.
3. To write a public letter to Surrey’s Vice-Chancellor, Max Lu, asking him to publicly outline the position he has taken within UUK regarding the pensions dispute and to support a swift, mutually-agreed outcome.[ix]

[i] https://www.ucu.org.uk/article/9093/Overhaul-of-university-pensions-could-leave-staff-200000-worse-off-in-retirement

[ii] https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/14177

[iii] https://www.ucu.org.uk/media/8906/USS-ballot-statement/pdf/ucu_strikeballotletter_nov17.pdf

[iv] https://www.varsity.co.uk/news/14177

[v] https://www.ft.com/content/7e391688-b4c5-11e7-a398-73d59db9e399

[vi] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/15/contents/enacted

[vii] 3,600 figure applies to 2016/17. Data for 2017/18 are not available. See here: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/sites/default/files/R40_Student_Key_Facts_2016_17_all.pdf

[viii] Social media resources are available here: https://www.ucu.org.uk/strikeforuss

[ix] Vice-Chancellors at Warwick (http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/execteam/entry/which_way_forward/) and Glasgow (https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/news/headline_561539_en.html) have publicly voiced opposition to the proposals, for example.

Connect with Surrey UCU on Facebook to keep up to date with national and local issues:

https://www.facebook.com/Surrey-UCU-1535780566491982/

3 August 2017

getSURREY reports:

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/university-surrey-pays-18-members-13417537

The University of Surrey employs 18 members of staff remunerated to a total of £140,000 or more – but only one of those staff members is female, newly published data has revealed.

Figures revealed through a Freedom of Information request show the university currently pays 55 employees less than the Living Wage, 23 of whom are women.

The stats show the university employs less than five apprentices, the lowest paid on just £7,800 a year

They also reveal the highest paid member of staff is paid some 24 times more than the lowest paid staff member.

A spokesman for the university said: “The university has to compete for talent in a global market for all of its staff.

“Therefore, we have to ensure our remuneration is such that we can recruit and retain talent at all levels.

“We have worked hard in recent years to improve our performance on equality, and around 30% of our senior staff are female, in line with our sector – and we are actively looking to improve the balance still further.

“All of our staff are paid above the minimum wage, and the university makes generous pension contributions of up to 18% of salary, as well as having excellent benefits, such as 40 days paid leave a year, inclusive of public holidays.

“The University of Surrey prides itself on being one of the largest and best employers in the area, and last year our staff survey highlighted staff engagement was at its highest level for seven years.”

The complete answers to the FOI request are here: https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/freedom_of_information_act_2000_148?nocache=incoming-1012361#incoming-1012361

Anne Milton, Conservative Party candidate for Guildford.

1. This has been an issue of considerable discussion. The argument for including international students in net migration figures is that as they use local services they need to be counted in. However, they return home so are similarly counted out. I think there is much we need to do to change perceptions – international students are a positive contribution for us in Guildford but I know this message does not always come across.

2, 3, 4 and 5. The issues of home-rate tuition fees and visa-free access for EU students will be part of the Brexit negotiations. I know we all want to see EU nationals be able to stay and this is an issue I have raised and will continue to raise. There has been some discussion about alternative sources of funding other than raising tuition fees – Surrey is a good example of a University raising money through other sources.

6. I would hope to see the continuation of Erasmus+ and other EU research funding. On this, Jo Johnson, UK Minister of State for Universities and Science, stated: “The referendum result does not affect students studying in the EU, beneficiaries of Erasmus+ or those considering applying in 2017. The UK’s future access to the Erasmus+ programme will be determined as a part of wider discussions with the EU.”

7. All EU law will be passes over so employment rights will continue. We will be free to increase protections if we wish.

Howard Smith, Labour Party candidate for Guildford.

Sorry, I have received this late, but many of your statements here are Labour policy and/or in our election manifesto.

So, in broad terms I am fully supportive of your aims, much of which is common sense and to be applauded .

While the Labour Party helped trigger A50 in parliament we are determined that any deal with the EU going forward should be on the very best terms including ensuring that the UK remains a welcoming place for overseas students.

The University of Surrey is a great asset to Guildford, one that should be treasured and if elected I would do everything possible to support your continuing success as much as I can.

1. The Liberal Democrats are committed to removing students from the official migration statistics. The guaranteed continuation of home-rate tuition fees and visa-free access for EU students as part of a reciprocal agreement.
   I’m afraid that I’m not aware of Liberal Democrat policy on this issue and have contacted party HQ about but haven’t yet heard back. As I wanted to ensure that you received this in time for the 2^nd I decided to write without this information.
2. The guaranteed right to stay for EU staff and students who currently reside or study in the UK, with freedom of movement unrestricted for those who come to work or study from the EU.
   In our manifesto the Liberal Democrats have committed to pressing for the UK to unilaterally guarantee the rights of EU nationals in the UK, ending their ongoing uncertainty. We will call for the overhaul and simplification of the registration process and the requirements for EU nationals to obtain permanent residence and UK citizenship, as the current system is not fit for purpose. We will urge the government, and use our influence with Liberal leaders in European countries, to secure the same rights for UK citizens living in European Union countries.
3. Extending the franchise to EU nationals residing in Britain to vote in National Elections.
   I’m afraid that I’m not aware of Liberal Democrat policy on this issue and have contacted party HQ about but haven’t yet heard back.
4. The securing of alternative sources of university funding other than raised tuition fees.
   The EU is undeniably beneficial for our universities. It has directly invested in British universities, funding projects such as Swansea University’s new Innovation Centre. Under Framework Programme 7 (which ran from 2007 to 2013) the UK won around €8.8 billion in research grants, while paying in €5.4 billion. Through the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme the UK is set to receive £2 billion in the first two years. If the government, pull us out of the EU and the European Research Area (ERA) we will not be eligible for any future Horizon 2020 funding. Research and development, academic sharing and the exchange of ideas is essential for the future prosperity of the UK. I don’t have any specific funding sources in mind the issue of funding streams is key and as MP I will work with Liberal Democrat colleagues to identify other options.
5. The continued support of Erasmus+ and other EU research funding.
   Over the next seven years Erasmus+ was set to allocate almost €1 billion to the UK and involve 250,000 participants. A hard Brexit, which would include the UK leaving the European Economic Area (EEA), would mean an end to our participation. It is senseless for us to withdraw from such a fantastic programme that has helped so many British people to develop, broaden their horizons and gain new experiences. The Liberal Democrats will do everything we can to protect Erasmus+ and other EU-funded schemes which increase opportunities for young people.
6. The continued protection of the employment rights currently provided by EU law.
   As a party we are committed to defending social rights and equalities. Many important protections such as the right to 52 weeks’ maternity leave and rights to annual leave are currently based on EU law, and any of these rights have been upheld at the European Court of Justice. We will fight to ensure that these entitlements are not undermined.