Colleagues will be aware that UCU, UNISON and UNITE have been in ongoing discussions with UCEA in relation to the employers final pay offer of 1%.

These discussions have not resolved the dispute, which remains focused on the level of the pay uplift, but UCEA left the trade unions with an offer to explore further the non-pay elements of their pay claim. The unions intend to proceed with industrial action in relation to this dispute with a day of strike action on Tuesday 3 December 2013.

We would like to remind colleagues of the University’s position with regard to the pay implications of participating in any such action, namely that the University is not obliged to pay staff who undertake strike action. Neither is the University obliged to accept partial performance of the contract of employment where staff are engaging in action short of a strike. Accordingly, the University is legally entitled to withhold pay in such circumstances and, should this come to pass, will do so.

Download the University’s process for self declaration and statement on pay deductions

Self-declarations forms should be sent to the payroll department, in line with the guidance.

As in past such strikes the University intends to operate as normally as possible on that day. Heads of Departments will, as ever, use their common sense to respond to any particular issues that arise on the day so as to minimise any adverse impact on students.

Our local relations with all of our campus Trade Unions remain positive and even as we enter what may be a challenging period, it is our view that our collegial approach helps us in such times of uncertainty.