University evaluations delivering pay increases and ending
inequalities says Amicus
Sunday 11th June 2006
A new survey by Amicus has revealed that ongoing pay
evaluations for support staff in Higher education is delivering pay
increases, creating new grades and training
opportunities.
Amicus say that when pay evaluations have been adopted, pay,
job grades and the terms and conditions of members have been
enhanced with workers 20% of workers receiving substantial pay
increases.
Key benefits achieved for staff through the process include
more widespread use of equal pay audits and significant pay
increases for university staff including clerical and
administrative, technical and manual workers.
A minimum of four years pay protection has also been secured
in most Higher Education institutions The best evaluation increases
have been where job evaluation training has been given to trade
union representatives either directly by the union or by the
Institution.
The union says there is clear evidence that greater results
have been achieved in institutions were Amicus has
recognition.
Amicus’ National Officer for Higher Education, Mike Robinson,
said:
“Our survey shows that pay evaluation is allowing
staff to play a vital part in making key decisions concerning pay
and grading and delivering significant gains in our member’s
terms and conditions.
“Although there is much more work that needs to be
done this represents good progress and a sound basis for further
improvements for Higher education workers who have faired badly
before and for joint working with the trade
unions.”
The union has found evidence that the appointment of joint
steering groups with equal trade union representation has helped in
the decision making and implementation process.
Not all the news is good. Amicus’ survey reveals that access
to data has been restricted in 38% of cases. Amicus intends to
apply for access to the data by legal processes. Job evaluation
should have been completed between August 2004 and August 2006. So
far implementation has only been delivered in less than half of the
institutions surveyed.
– Ends –
Please call Catherine Bithell in the Amicus press
office for further information on 020 7420 8909 or 07958 473
224
