The national salary scales in the sector, from 1 April 2024, have been realigned to reflect the National Minimum Wage of £11.44. Living Wage supplements are paid in addition to this where applicable. See the updated salary scales.

We recognise that these uplifts however welcome in themselves, present some challenges with grade compression within the University salary scale structures, particularly in the lower grades.

It is important to acknowledge this is a national issue, not just a local one. We have sought to address some of these issues on an interim basis, for example, in Estates and Facilities Management amongst grades 1-3, an additional supervisory responsibility payment has been made to some where their roles meet the criteria. Letters have been sent to those benefitting.

We know that there are sector-wide issues with the national pay spine at lower levels, around compression and erosion of differentials and we are committed to seeking solutions. The current financial climate makes this challenging however discussions are taking place at a national level through the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) to seek national solutions and any outputs from this will need to feed into the local pay review work. Locally, work continues through our Reward and Benefits Team to consider options for permanent solutions.