UCL's Participation in Collective Pay Bargaining

UCL will participate in the 2009 collective pay bargaining round. The UCEA guidance to universities participating in the process can be found at UCEA Guidance.

UCL's position with regard to collective pay bargaining is set out in the statement below.

UCL's statement on pay negotiations and dispute resolution

Following discussion within the Russell Group, the UCL Council on 20 November 2008 agreed the following principles which will govern the approach UCL takes to pay negotiations:

The experience of our students will be paramount and our approach will reflect our commitment to ensure that students receive an outstanding education

Our approach will be consistent with the objective of maintaining our position as world-class research-led institutions

In order to compete on a world stage we will operate professional employment policies and practices and this includes modern, competitive and fair pay and reward systems

We aspire to working closely with the trade unions to recognise and reward excellence

We support and promote excellence in teaching and research and in the performance of all our staff in the development of our students

As employers we are supporting the current UCEA collective approach to pay bargaining but will keep this under review

We will work hard to avoid disputes and pursue a constructive employee relations agenda

If industrial action is taken, we will respond appropriately on the basis of the principles outlined above. Partial performance of any kind cannot be accepted. This applies equally to all staff, whether they are part of the academic or support communities.

Partial performance will lead to pay being withheld, taking into account the impact on the university's performance and/or commitment to its students. This is not only in accordance with the legal framework but reflects common employment practice.