The Professional Services Voluntary Severance Scheme closed at the end of October. At the close, around 200 staff members expressed an interest in applying to leave the University.
This number will likely go down once applications are reviewed, as some may not be approved due to pension costs or because individuals are in roles essential to University operations. The approval process involves several stages before final decisions are made and communicated to staff.
We’ve been in discussion with the University about both the timing of notifications and the period staff will have to make a final decision once offers are issued. As soon as we have more details, we’ll share them with you.
Meanwhile, the 10 design streams continue to meet, and we’ve requested early sight of any proposals that come out of these discussions. For Professional Services staff, we continue to meet informally with the University until any point where formal redundancies are declared.
If you have been successful in your application for voluntary severance there are legal implications that require the assistance of a solicitor. This can be arranged through Unite using their appointed solicitors.
To start this, you need to call 01772 280271 and inform them you are currently an employee at Lancaster University and need to process a settlement agreement. You will need the name, postal address, email address of the person who is dealing with your agreement from the University, and the actual document, along with your membership number and contact details. They will then assist you through the process. It is important to advise them of any timelines associated with the settlement agreement and they will submit that date to the solicitor.
Following your call, a regional official will call you back confirm the details, and then instigate your agreement being sent to the solicitors.
The fee for the agreement document, up to a maximum figure of £400 + VAT, is paid by Lancaster University and this covers the basic agreement. In extreme occasions there may be additional fees and you will be advised of this by the solicitor. This whole process should happen within the time frame easily, if you give the completion date at the outset.
You can choose to use your own solicitors, however its important you check the costs from them as the fees payable by Lancaster University are capped.
You will have to have been a member for the correct qualifying period and not be in arrears and be compliant with unite rules of membership.(This will be most people).
If you have any question with regards to this, please contact us.
We need some help! As LU futures progresses we need points of contact in ideally in every department and area of campus. This will help us provide two-way communications through the whole process. It may be putting up posters in your area, spreading the word of Unite and all it does, recruiting or just passing on information of things happening in your area.
If this sounds like something you can help with, please email Eamon or Ian to find out more
If you recruit a new member please email Ian or Eamon their membership number. We will ensure you are entered into the Christmas membership raffle and, registered on the system as the recruiter to receive a voucher for up to £25 (depending on membership type and qualifying period of 3 months) from Unite. A reminder of some membership benefits:
Direct Debit: Membership of Unite, the only choice of union for ALL professional service staff, offers many services. Unfortunately, when many people need to use them, they find that their direct debit hasn’t been paid and membership lapsed. This can be due to many reasons including changing banks, changing names on accounts etc. CHECK today that your membership is up to date and payment is still being made. IF you have any queries please contact Eamon or Ian, and they will help you sort everything out and get back on track.
Address: Having your correct details is extremely important to get information out -please check NOW! Having your correct postal address is vital when it comes to balloting. Regardless of how you vote in ballots – please VOTE.
The Christmas Branch meeting is in the planning. It will include the usual festive raffle and the draw for winning a £100 voucher for recruiting a member.
There is still plenty of time to get a place in the recruitment draw, all you need to do is email Ian the membership number of the person you recruit.
Recruit a colleague today, it’s simple they just join online.
Date and details to be announced soon
In Solidarity,
Unite the Union, Lancaster Uni Branch Exec Committee
Branch exec contacts:
- Andy Baker (Chair) a.baker@lancaster.ac.uk
- Ian Curwen (Vice Chair) i.curwen@lancaster.ac.uk
- Eamon McLaughlin (Secretary) e.mclaughlin@lancaster.ac.uk
- David Bollenberg (Treasurer) davidbollunion@gmail.com