Dear colleagues,
Further to my message yesterday, I want to update you on the work I have been doing nationally in relation to the USS dispute, ahead of what I hope will be a significant meeting between UUK and UCU next week with ACAS.
I have already made public the views this University has conveyed to UUK with regard to talks without preconditions and on seeking agreement around the valuation. Further to this, I have been in touch with other colleagues across the UK as well as the Employers Pension Forum. I am expecting feedback from these discussions on Monday, and I will then meet with colleagues from UCU here in Sheffield on Tuesday so I can share with them what I have learned and listen to their views on this and other matters. I have asked my office to set up this meeting today.
Once again, I am committed to seeking a resolution to this dispute which provides a good, sustainable pension for staff in the interests of both our students and will do all I can to secure a positive conclusion to the current action.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett FRS President and Vice-Chancellor