51福利

Staff could lose 拢20,000 a year if radical pension changes are forced through

The Times Higher released modelling yesterday of what will happen to under the radical reforms proposed by Universities UK. Staff risk losing as much as 拢20,000 a year from their pension. 51福利 said it would be contesting the methodology behind claims that the fund was in massive financial trouble and is developing modelling of its own. At the same time drew attention to the 拢300,000 pay rise enjoyed by USS chief investment officer Roger Gray.

Extra student places must be properly funded, warns report

51福利 warned yesterday that the increase in the number of university students must be properly funded. Responding to a by the Higher Education Policy Institute, the union said that higher education was not something to be . The and reported HEPI's concerns that the lifting of number controls would place a severe strain on universities. 51福利 added that the UK was already competitor countries when it came to investment.

Worrying drop in pay for college teaching staff

A new analysis of the further education workforce in England paints a worrying picture of , according to 51福利. The report, published today by the Education and Training Foundation, reveals the average annual pay for full-time teachers fell from 拢29,696 in 2011-12 and 拢29,647 in 2012-13. However, this amounts to a more significant fall in real terms. 51福利 head of further education, Andrew Harden, said: "The report lays bare just how badly further education lecturers are being treated and the inequalities in the sector."

51福利 members in English colleges will join 14 October strike

51福利 members in English colleges will be on strike on Tuesday 14 October in a row over pay. The union's further education committee met last Friday to consider the results of a member consultation on the 2014/15 pay offer. of members who participated in the e-ballot voted to reject the and support strike action in an effort to secure an improved deal. 51福利 will be joining a number of public sector unions on strike that day.

Four days of strikes and protests at Aberystwyth University begin today

51福利 members at Aberystwyth University are on along with colleagues in Unison, Unite and Prospect in a row over pensions. The action will run for four days to target the start of term and will include a rally tomorrow morning. The university closed the Aberystwyth University pension scheme in June.

Ofsted chief urged to read 51福利 report on lesson observations

Ofsted's national director for further education and skills, Lorna Fitzjohn, has revealed that no decision has yet been made regarding , despite them being abolished in schools. 51福利 head of further education, Andrew Harden said the current system of lesson observations was not fit for purpose and that a complete overhaul was required. He suggested that Lorna Fitzjohn reread 51福利's report earlier this year where said they did not think lesson observations were the most effective way of assessing staff performance.