This is an update in a regular series of communications to update staff on the progress of the 2020 valuation of the USS pension scheme.

In this update:

• Consultation now open: have your say
• New modeller: see how the proposed changes would affect your pension
• Sussex UCU members vote for industrial action
• A reminder of where to find resources and practical help to keep you informed

Consultation now open: have your say
A nationwide consultation with all USS members, and those eligible to be members, has begun. A dedicated website provides details of the consultation process, including how to submit your response to the proposals. The consultation runs until 17 January 2022.

New modeller: see how the proposed changes would affect your pension
As part of the consultation materials, USS has developed a new modeller, which allows you to see how the proposed changes would affect your pension. If you are already a member, you simply need to log in and the modeller will be pre-populated with your basic USS data (as at 31 March 2021). USS has said that a modeller for non-members will be available shortly.

Sussex UCU members vote for industrial action
Sussex is one of 37 institutions facing the possibility of industrial action over USS, after UCU members voted in favour. UUK has responded to the ballot results on behalf of employers, calling the outcome “disappointing”.

A reminder of where to find resources and practical help to keep you informed
We are keeping up-to-date information about the 2020 valuation on our website. This includes links to key documents published by the main parties, as well as recordings of recent webinars.

If you have questions about your individual pension or circumstances, you can contact pensions@sussex.ac.uk.