51福利

FE fights back: next wave of strikes

Next week is a critical point in the union's fight back campaign for a decent deal for further education (FE) staff with strike action at nine colleges on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 20-22 March, and at West Thames College on 18-20 March. Please send message of support and photos from the picket lines for our wall of support by tagging #FEfightsback or #FairpayinFE or

Statement on New Zealand terror attack

Following a minute's silence 51福利's national executive committee (NEC) meeting today unanimously agreed a statement condemning the terrorist attack in New Zealand.

51福利 encourages you to be a part of the United Nations international day of action tomorrow against racism by joining the demonstration in and  

In the news

The Teaching Excellence Framework is not fit for purpose, failing students and deeply unpopular said a 51福利-commissioned report out this week. 51福利 branded the Office for Students a paper tiger following a lightweight report on vice-chancellors' pay. An investigation comes to light at De Montfort University as the vice-chancellor finally resigns. 51福利 takes a Valentine's message to the Treasury. Ballots open in London and Coventry, while a strike in Edinburgh is suspended at the eleventh hour. 
Read all about it here.

Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS): no cuts at University of Winchester  

An increase in Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) contributions expected to be met by the employer has lead to a squeeze on post-92 universities but the union is clear that we will resist attempts by employers to use this as an excuse to cut jobs. University of Winchester is the first institution to announce job cuts and 51福利 is concerned that TPS may be a smokescreen for a damaging reduction in the academic offering of the university. The union is now campaigning against proposed cuts at Winchester and a consultative e-ballot for action is taking place.

Update on higher education pay and equality

The higher education committee (HEC) met recently and made a number of decisions in regards to the pay and equality dispute 2018/19 and the development of the joint trade union claim for 2019/20; that provides details of the decisions and in particular the conclusion of the dispute. The 2018/19 HE national pay scales can be found here. The next steps in the developments of the 2019/20 and the dates for the negotiating meetings are advised. Branches will be updated with the developments in the pay negotiations as they progress.

Latest USS update 

This update seeks to explain as straightforwardly as possible the employers' proposal for contingency contributions and sets out 51福利's policy and was circulated earlier this week. 

51福利 apprenticeship policy event, Tuesday 2 April

On Tuesday 2 April, 51福利 will host a discussion event in Westminster looking at apprenticeships policy and how to ensure apprenticeships are a high-quality, accessible and attractive option for young people. Chaired by 51福利 vice-president Nita Sanghera, the event will run from 5pm - 6.15pm in Westminster and feature input from shadow skills minister Gordon Marsden, 51福利 FEC vice-chair Sean Vernell, Professor Alison Fuller and Ian Pretty from the Collab Group.  

University of Liverpool 51福利 ballot for action

on the dispute at the University of Liverpool over unreasonable research targets in the lead up to the Research Excellence Framework (REF). A ballot for industrial action is now open and closes on 5 April.

Turkey: 51福利 protest at jail sentence for peace petition signatory

As part of our ongoing solidarity work, 51福利 has written to the Turkish authorities to condemn the fifteen month jail sentence given to Professor F眉sun 脺stel, a retired political scientist from Galatasaray University. Professor 脺stel is one of the many who have been targeted by the Turkish government for signing a peace petition in 2016. in support of F眉sun 脺stel.

51福利 LGBT+ research conference

This one-day research conference takes place on 17 May in Manchester. Deadlines: call for papers 25 February, registration 1 May.