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• 26 April 2013
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University provides further update for transferring staff

The University has written this week (Tuesday 23 April) to provide a further update to all staff directly affected by plans announced in May 2012 to work with external partners for catering and facilities management on discussions the University has been having with the campus trades unions.

The update related to pensions as well as issues raised by staff with the Registrar and Secretary, John Duffy, and the Director of Human Resources, Jane Summerville, at a series of Q&A meetings that have been held with transferring staff over recent months.

In relation to pensions, the University has had four meetings with the trade unions since 14 November 2012.

Jane Summerville said: “As a result of these discussions, which have been very productive on both sides, the University has made a proposal to the trade unions on pension provision for transferring staff that is in excess of the provision stated in law for Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE) transfers.

“The trade unions have responded positively to this proposal, while also requesting some additions to it. We believe that we are close to an agreement on pensions and are due to meet the trade unions again on 10 May, when we hope to conclude these matters.”

The University has said it will write to staff again with the specific detail of the arrangements, as soon as an agreement is reached with the trade unions. These arrangements would then form part of the University’s contractual terms with the partner organisations.

In addition to pensions, many transferring staff have raised other issues in the series of Q&A sessions that have been held with them, such as staff rates for car parking and gym membership, and other aspects of core terms of employment.

Jane Summerville said: “We have now confirmed to transferring staff that they will continue to have car parking and gym membership at University staff rates, as well as continued access to the University’s Library.”

Other issues raised have centred on some core terms of employment, such as the campus as the employee’s place of work, and holiday entitlement.

Jane Summerville said: “We have made a proposal to the trade unions on how the University could seek to reassure staff in relation to specific areas of the employee’s terms by specifying certain requirements within the University’s contract with the partner organisations who are selected to provide our services.

“We will provide more information in due course, and any such protection for staff would be in addition to that provided by TUPE.”

In relation to timing of the transfer, the University has also confirmed that it is looking at a date in September for the transfer of catering and conferencing services and a date in October for facilities management.

Jane Summerville added: “We will of course be engaging in the information and consultation process with staff and the trade unions under TUPE well before those times.”