Dear Student,
I’m pleased to tell you that the industrial action has been suspended. Staff who are members of the trade union UCU voted last week to accept the latest proposal, which is that a joint expert panel between the trade union members and Universities UK will be set up to examine the pension valuation. Pension benefits and contributions will be kept the same until at least April 2019 to enable this new panel to look into the valuation and report back.
I know that the industrial action before Easter caused a lot of disruption for many of you. If you have any questions or concerns, have a look at the FAQs, which have been updated, or speak to your school or institute.
Over the last few months, I have heard from staff and students across the university, about both the pension dispute and wider concerns about changes in the way universities operate and are funded. I want to talk more about these wider issues with staff and students, with the aim of preserving an environment that is in keeping with our fundamental core values, of which we are all very proud. These are the values that have attracted us all to work and study at Queen Mary, a university which is without doubt unique within the sector.
With best regards,
Colin BaileyPrincipal