Draft agreement on new pay and grade structure at University of Bristol

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Draft agreement on new pay and grade structure at University of Bristol

The University of Bristol has been working in partnership with the local trades unions to devise a new, single pay and grade structure covering all staff.

On 16 February 2007 the University and trades unions concluded negotiations on a new grade structure and related issues. A draft agreement has now been reached, and the trades unions will be taking the offer out to their membership over the coming weeks.

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Background

In February 2006, the University proposed such a structure but trade union members did not find it acceptable. They were primarily concerned about the job evaluation data on which the proposal was based and asked the University to go back over it.

The University agreed to do so. In December 2006, after a lot of work by all concerned to make sure the job evaluation process was producing reliable results, the University and the unions discussed a substantially revised proposal.

If the revised pay and grade structure is accepted, it would represent the second phase in the implementation of the National Framework Agreement.

The first phase was implemented on 1 August 2006 and comprised:

• new harmonised terms and conditions
• a change in contractual working hours to 35 per week (where contractual hours specified)
• the movement of all staff covered by the National Framework Agreement to the national single pay spine.

Aims

The stated aim of the proposed agreement is to:

• underpin a modern, competitive approach to pay and terms and conditions
• support the development of career pathways for all staff, alongside clear promotions criteria
• help establish the right balance between rewarding experience and individual performance
• improve the University’s control over staff costs
• help achieve equal pay for work of equal value.

Want to know more?

You can download details of the draft agreement from the University of Bristol web site at www.bris.ac.uk/personnel/reward/new-structure.html