Latest pay offer for college staff is ‘ simply not enough ’

UNISON’s national further education committee is to recommend that members reject the latest pay offer from the employers’ organisation, which they feel is “simply not enough” to address the cost of living crisis and the problems caused by over a decade of stagnant pay growth. Members will be consulted in September, when colleges reopen. The pay negotiations for 2022/23 with the Association of Colleges (AoC) concluded last week. There had been some movement from the offer made in May, with employers now recommending 2.5% across the board, a further £500 unconsolidated in line with local affordability and £750 unconsolidated for those earning under £25,000. There were also improvements to the claim for all colleges to become Living Wage Foundation accredited employers, with the AoC recommending that all colleges pay the real living wage as a minimum or publish their plans to do so. However, the offer continues to fall far short of the claim the FE unions jointly submitted in March, for a pay rise of 10% on all points, with a minimum uplift of £2,000. The FE committee is also concerned that the offer is unconsolidated, and that many low-paid workers will be no better off since the ‘bonus’ will be clawed back through the Universal Credit taper. Ruth Smith, UNISON’s senior national officer for education and children’s services, commented: “The rise in the cost of living this year has been extreme, with inflation at a 30-year high. This is deeply challeng...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article News FE pay Source Type: news