Author: Ian Curwen

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.

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

We have received letters, supporting us fighting redundancies at Lancaster University, from the local Labour and Green parties. These letters are shared separately on the website for you to read.

No correspondence, or support, from Conservatives, Liberal Democrats or the Reform Party, has been received to date.

Our sister union UCU have sent a letter to the University Senior Management Team and The University Council, containing many questions that need answering. This has been shared with members via email.

It is important that the whole area understands the potential impact of cuts here at Lancaster University. Less staff and less students will have a significant impact on the local economy including potential effects on public transport i.e. bus, rail and taxi’s, food and retail shops, cafés and bars, and much more.

Let’s make everyone aware, as it could change the area for ever.

We thought it would be an opportunity to remind everyone that if you recruit a new member, you will receive a voucher with a value of up to £25, dependent on membership type and qualifying period of time. Additionally, this term, you will be entered into our branch draw with a chance to win a £100 voucher instantly.

This will be drawn at the Christmas branch meeting. All you have to do is email Ian Curwen with the name and membership number of the person you have recruited. The prizes for all branch meetings, including this one, is paid for from the recruitment of members by reps as it is against the rules for reps to receive rewards for recruitment.