May 2026

The 2026-27 New JNCHES negotiations concluded at a meeting on Wednesday 13th May in London.

The meeting, continuing discussions from the previous meeting, focused on a pay offer for staff, a review of the pay spine, joint lobbying of the UK government on sector funding, redundancies and the establishment of a Scottish Sub-Committee of New JNCHES.

In relation to the pay offer, the joint trade unions reiterated their disappointment with the tabled offer of 1.8% on all spine points, again citing that this was a sub inflationary pay offer and they would be unable to take this to their respective memberships. After further discussion, UCEA tabled a slightly improved offer of 2% on all spine points. While TUs acknowledged the improved offer, it was stated that this would, yet again, equate to a real terms pay cut for university staff with RPI sitting at 3.6% in April and expected to remain higher than 3% by August this year. As such, this was not an offer which would be acceptable to members and required to be improved. UCEA confirmed this was their full and final offer.

At a meeting of the EIS ULA Executive Committee on Wednesday 20th May, the decision was taken to consult with members on the full and final pay offer by UCEA. Members will receive an email later this week asking them if they wish to accept or reject the offer, and also whether they are willing to take industrial action (inc strike) to pursue an improved pay offer. The Executive Committee is recommending members reject the offer. Once the consultation has closed, the ULA Executive Committee will consider the results and any further actions to be taken based on them. Other joint trade unions are carrying out similar consultation with their members or considering entering into dispute with UCEA over the full and final offer.

The other elements of the joint trade union side pay claim are addressed in UCEA's full and final offer, which can be found here.

A copy of the full joint trade union side pay claim can be found here.