In September, we confirmed that the 1.4% national pay uplift would be applied across all pay spine points, and this was backdated to 1 August 2025.
We also reaffirmed our commitment to reviewing the Loughborough Real Living Wage (LRLW) supplement once the national Real Living Wage (RLW) rate was announced in the autumn. As an interim measure, because the supplement was higher than the national pay uplift, it was adjusted so that salaries at each spine point stayed the same as those confirmed in April.
We also highlighted that the Universities & Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) pay offer included the removal of spinal points 5 and 6 by July 2026. A commitment was made by the University to review how this might be implemented once the new national RLW rate was announced.
Following detailed pay modelling and local negotiation with our trade union colleagues, we have now reviewed both the Loughborough RLW supplement and the lower end of the pay spine. As a result, we are introducing a revised pay spine and updated LRLW supplement to:
- remove spine points 5 and 6 (as we are required to through national pay bargaining)
- apply the increased Real Living Wage
- address pay compression caused by the RLW rising faster than sector pay rates
We have listened to colleague feedback, including through the staff survey, and recognise that pay compression at the lower end of the scale has been a significant concern. The changes will mean that colleagues on the lowest pay points will see positive adjustments to align with the updated RLW and revised pay spine. Despite the financial pressures facing the sector, the University remains committed to addressing such issues wherever possible. Colleagues in receipt of the LRLW supplement will be contacted individually with further details, and changes will be implemented in the May payroll.