The University will this month implement base pay increases of between 1.8 and 3.65 per cent, with the greatest uplifts applying to our lowest spinal points, where it is acknowledged that cost of living pressures are most keenly felt. These increases will be effective from 1 August 2019 and will be reflected in pay at the end of August. Where staff at Level 1-6 are also entitled to incremental pay progression, this will also be applied in August pay.
This year’s base pay uplift was the subject of negotiations held between the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) and the five sector trade unions, which include UCU, UNISON and Unite, who represent staff here at Southampton. The five sector trade unions each rejected this year’s final pay offer and have entered a formal dispute. UCU, UNISON and Unite have signalled their intent to ballot their members for industrial action in September.
Whilst the University recognises and respects that this is a matter of dispute for our trade unions, we have concluded that it is right and fair to start paying the base pay uplift to staff at the earliest opportunity.
The outcome includes a 3.65 per cent increase to the lowest two spinal points and extra loading for those on the first 15 spinal points, providing the lowest paid staff with a base pay increase that is above the current headline inflation rate.
In addition, the outcome provides for the deletion of spinal point 2 by April 2020 and we will be engaging with our local trade unions over the coming months to discuss what changes might be required to our pay scales to accommodate this.
Full details of the 2019-20 pay negotiations can be found here.
Updated University pay scales can be found here.
