During the academic year 2017-18 employer representatives Universities UK (UUK) and member representatives the University and College Union (UCU) have been involved in discussions on proposals for the future of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension scheme.

This page provides a summary of University updates to staff around this, along with the latest guidance for Warwick staff and students.

Autumn term 2018

• Warwick's feedback on the Joint Expert Panel (JEP) report (November 2018)
  The Joint Expert Panel (JEP)'s first report reviews the USS 2017 valuation and makes a number of observations and recommendations. The University has read and responded to the report.
• Report published on the current USS pension scheme valuation
  The Joint Expert Panel (JEP) has now delivered its report on the 2017 Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) valuation. Find out more, including next steps and what this means for the current pensions consultation.

• USS consultation - have your say (3 September 2018)
  All current and eligible USS members should now have received paperwork from Warwick’s Pensions team. This paperwork explains the USS consultation, which asks members and eligible employees to have their say on proposed changes to the USS scheme before 2 November 2018.

Summer term 2018

• USS - Changes to member and employer rates from 1 April 2019 (27 July 2018)
  USS has proposed potential changes to member and employer contributions from April 2019. Find out how this affects you.
• Update on re-direction of salary payments arising from UCU industrial action (11 July 2018)
  Find out how savings due to UCU members not receiving salaries for periods of industrial action will be allocated.
  
• Guidance for Boards of Examiners (16 May 2018)
  Additional guidance for members of Boards of Examiners and Mitigating Circumstances Panels to use this summer on how to manage any issues with marks arising from disruption and cancellation of teaching due to industrial action in term 2.
  
• Updates for students on suspension of UCU industrial action (20 April 2018)
  Messages to students from Chris Hughes, Pro-Vice-Chancellor - Education.
  Undergraduate students
  PGT students
  PGR students
• Rescheduling teaching and other student-facing activities (20 April 2018)
  This guidance sets out priorities and processes for rearranging teaching and other student-facing activities cancelled due to UCU industrial action in February and March 2018, and for claiming reimbursement for delivering these activities.
• Strike action suspended (17 April 2018)
  UCU members voted on 13 April to accept proposals aimed at resolving the university pensions dispute. This suspends strike action planned for May and June. There will be further guidance for departments and for students to follow.
• Update: USS negotiations and summer term priorities (3 April 2018)
  The Vice-Chancellor’s message on planning for the start of the summer term to make up activities impacted by strike action.

Spring term 2018

March

• An update on strike action - assessment and exams (26 March 2018)
  The latest guidance relating to strike action, including letters to students.
• Strike action FAQs updated (21 March 2018)
  Updated FAQs giving guidance on assessment and examination arrangements during the USS pensions dispute.
• Where next: VC's latest blog (20 March 2018)
  Stuart Croft’s post considers four aspects of the USS pensions dispute where consensus could help us construct a solution.
• Strike action FAQs updated (12 March 2018)
  An update on pay deductions for strike action.
• Self-reporting strike action (7 March 2018)
  The University’s strike action self-declaration form has been updated. Please complete this form online to let us know if you are planning to take, or have taken, individual days of strike action.

February

• USS: VC article “Four vital moves” (27 February 2018)
  Stuart Croft's article for Times Higher Education about negotiations on the USS pension proposals.
• Update on planned strike action: 19 February (19 February 2018)
  Pro-Vice-Chancellor Chris Hughes' letter to students about the upcoming strike action.
• VC’s latest public statement on USS negotiations (16 February 2018)
  Stuart Croft’s blog calls for an early return to national negotiations on the USS pension proposals, with a more open and imaginative approach from both parties.
• Updated guidance on UCU action short of a strike – message from the VC (14 February 2018)
  A message from the Vice-Chancellor clarifying details on deduction of 25% for action short of a strike.
• UCU strike action: Guidance and FAQs (9 February 2018)
  As UCU strike and action short of a strike continues, please see our guidance and FAQs. You can set a notification alert on the page to see new information as it is added.
• UCU strike action: update 2 February (2 February 2018)
  The University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed that it will take strike action, in response to proposed changes to the USS pension scheme, beginning on Thursday 22 February.

January

• USS changes update 26 January  (26 January 2018)
  An update regarding the 2017 USS scheme valuation changes.
• VC's letter to UUK (19 January 2018)
  Stuart Croft's letter to UUK regarding proposed changes to the USS pension scheme and his recommendations.

Autumn term 2017

• An update on USS (7 December 2017)
  Stuart Croft gives an update on the negotiations and discussions around the USS pension scheme.
• Which way forward for USS? (28 November 2017)
  Stuart Croft gives his perspective on the USS pension trustees’ approach.
• USS valuation 2017 (10 October 2017)
  Universities UK asks for employer views on new proposals from Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Staff guidance and frequently asked questions

Student guidance and frequently asked questions

General pensions information on the HR web pages