Further Education News
updated 17 Jan 2012
UNISON response to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills consultation
Unison has produced a response to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills consultation new challenges, new chances: next steps in implementing the further education programme download as Word doc.
Castle College/South Nottingham College Merger:
Negotiations over the merger are now well under way and we have almost reached agreement on new Policies and Procedures, new Support Staff Contracts and a new Trade Union Recognition Agreement. The new agreements are, by and large, based on best practice in the two Colleges.
It is still expected that merger will take place in April 2011. The Trade Unions continue to argue for a “no compulsory redundancy as a result of the merger” agreement but, despite some positive noises, have yet to reach a formal agreement on this with SNC.
Pay and Cuts:
The AoC is formally recommending a pay rise of 0.5% or at least £50, even though inflation is now well over 3%. However, most Colleges are likely to pay nothing at all in practice.
Colleges are waiting for the Public Sector Cuts to fall and further news is expected in December. There is no reason to suppose that the average cuts of 20/25% will be reduced for FE and at that level, redundancies are inevitable. There is much speculation nationally about Colleges going bankrupt, though no suggestion of this in Notts – so far. We will get into detailed negotiations in each College once the size of the problem is clear and will consult and feed back to members at that point.
Job Evaluation:
“Pay Modelling” – attaching money to JE scores – is under way at New College, Castle College and South Nottingham College: see your local Unison Steward for the latest info. We will be looking to secure the best possible deal for members and don’t forget, only Unison members will get to vote on the final package. Members’ Meetings will be held on all main sites before the postal ballots take place.
The JE process is getting under way at North and West Notts Colleges. The joint Trade Union/Management Steering groups are preparing for the Job Analysis interviews after Christmas and Unison reps are being trained to support members elected to take part. If you have a problem or query and you are a member of Unison, please contact your local Steward.
Interested in Getting Involved?
We are always happy to hear from members who want to get more involved in running what is, after all, your union and would particularly like to hear from you if you work at Bilborough, Castle or South Nottingham College.