John Moores joins ‘growing number’ of universities gaining accreditation as living wage employers
UNISON has welcomed the news that Liverpool John Moores University has become an accredited living wage employer.
The university, which employs around 2,500 staff, received accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation after committing itself to paying permanent employees and third-party contractors at least the living wage £8.25 an hour.
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UNISON is to campaign for the UK to stay part of the European Union, and will be encouraging its 1.3 million members to vote remain on 23 June.
The decision was taken today (Wednesday) at a meeting of the union’s governing NEC, and follows an extensive UK-wide consultation and survey across UNISON’s branches.
The fear that Brexit would mean the loss of the many workplace rights – parental leave, paid holiday, protection for part-timers and limits on excessive hours – that UK employees have come to take for granted is the most important issue in the coming referendum, according to UNISON’s overwhelmingly female membership.
Concern over what might happen to those employment rights should the UK vote to leave the EU was closely followed by worries about the plight of the country’s public services if Britain opted to go it alone.
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Sign the UNISON promoted petition urging Parliament to debate plans giving ministers power to tell members pension funds where to invest their money:
Click here https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125475
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Employers’ initial offer to higher education unions does not include the living wage.
The five higher education trade unions have rejected an initial pay offer from the employers and urged them to improve it before the next meeting.
The unions met UCEA, the employers’ representative body, on 21 March – the first of the 2016-17 pay negotiation meetings.
The trade unions presented a joint claim and the employers responded with an opening offer.
This offer included a 1% increase on all pay points, as well as a statement that the employer has a genuine interest in exploring whether all sides can agree joint work on reducing both the gender pay gap and casual work in the sector.
The joint unions rejected this proposal, which does not address areas such as the living wage, and urged the employer to improve the offer before the next meeting, which is scheduled for 28 April.
UNISON condemns growing pay gap in higher education as new report shows that senior managers’ pay grew by 3% last year
UNISON has condemned the huge gap between university leaders and the lowest paid following the release of a report that shows the average university boss now paid £272,432 – up 3% from the previous year.
Bill proposing to give unions a seat on all university courts dye to receive third reading in Scottish Parliament
UNISON has welcomed Scottish government proposals to give unions a seat on university courts, as part of its Higher Education Governance Bill, which will have its third reading in the Scottish Parliament today.
UNISON represent professional and support staff in universities across Scotland and believes the move will improve participation in decision-making, and ultimately improve the lives of students.
The move will help make sure “that Scottish higher education institutions are more inclusive, and will enable our members voices to be heard on campus,” says UNISON Scotland head of higher education Emma Phillips.
“UNISON members are key frontline staff and integral to providing the excellent student experience that Scottish institutions all aim to deliver.
“The fact that they will now play a part in running our universities will improve services for students.”
Scottish university chancellors have expressed fears that the bill would harm the autonomy of education institutions.
But, says Ms Phillips, “the key aim of the bill is to strengthen governance in the sector and enable universities to embrace greater transparency and openness, by having trade union representation on university courts.
“The reform means professional and support staff will be in a stronger position to improve student services.
“We believe that the Higher Education Governance Bill will empower staff and students and encouraging a partnership between staff, students and management of higher education institutions.”
International Women’s Day, observed since 1909, is a global celebration of respect, appreciation and recognition of women’s economic, political, and social achievements, while continuing to call for greater equality.
Sheffield Hallam plays an active part in recognising and promoting this day. In 2015 a number of activities and initiatives took place, one of which was identifying and celebrating our inspirational female staff and students. Senior leaders, peers and colleagues were invited to nominate women who had inspired them or others. Over 30 individuals were recognised and 23 profiles were published on our dedicated Celebrating IWD webpage.
If you know someone who has triumphed despite life’s obstacles, achieved challenging goals (either within or outside the workplace), is recognised by others as a role model, has inspired/motivated others, is an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things.
◾For staff nominations please complete the staff profile template and send to Katie Leeman – c.leeman@shu.ac.uk
◾For student nominations please completed the student profile template and send to Kayleigh Gray – k.gray@shu.ac.uk
The closing date for entries is: Midday, Monday 25 January
The Trade Union Bill currently before Parliament is unfair, unnecessary and undemocratic. MPs need to focus on the real problems the country faces and talk to us about how we can work together for a better future.
It’s time for the government to get its priorities straight – this Bill is an attack on the very people who could be part of the solution to the country’s problems
UNISON is campaigning with the TUC and other unions to oppose this attack on the rights of working people and their unions.
