In the news: 19 May

USS must retain benefits to stay attractive, UCU warns

Employers must change their 'counterproductive' attitudes towards risk to avoid further cuts to academic pensions, UCU general secretary told Times Higher Education this week.

Writing for the publication, Sally noted that cuts to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) have made it much less attractive and warned of 'recruitment, retention and reputational issues [...] as the news that Russell Group and other pre-92 institutions pay out the lowest pensions in the sector'. Ahead of the next assessment of the USS deficit, she called on employers to review the current methodology and work with UCU to 'retain benefits and keep contributions as they stand'.

Conservative manifesto outlines plans to curb international students

UCU criticised plans outlined in the Conservative manifesto this week which would keep international students in net migration targets and toughen visa rules for students and staff. Sally Hunt told the Huffington Post that the party's stance is unhelpful and sends a message that international staff and students are not welcome in the UK. She added 'Instead of pulling up the drawbridge, the next government needs to ensure that the UK remains an attractive destination for academics and students from around the world.'

Job cuts across UK universities amid sector-wide uncertainty

The Times Higher Education revealed this week that over 600 jobs are at risk across UK universities, with many citing Brexit and sector uncertainty. It pointed to cuts at the University of Manchester and the closure of the Crewe campus of Manchester Metropolitan University as major contributors to the concerning picture.

Regional official for the north west, Martyn Moss, also spoke to the Guardian this week about the motivation behind the University of Manchester's plan to cut 171 jobs. He suggested that the institution may be trying to 'shake it up and have a clearout' to get rid of more expensive, senior academics. The university plans to recruit more than 100 junior academics even though it is currently making 171 existing staff redundant.

Lunchtime protest at Lewisham Southwark College over job cuts

Staff at Lewisham Southwark College staged a protest on Wednesday this week over plans to cut 85 jobs. Regional support official, Josephine Grahl, told the TES that years of cutbacks at the college have already reduced opportunities, adding that UCU has asked management to 'give us a guarantee of no compulsory redundancies and work with us to explore alternative strategies which focus on growth and investment.'