As more strikes loom, pension talks are extended into March

The group on reform of USS has agreed to keep talking as strike re-ballots close.

The tripartite group of representatives from Universities UK (UUK), the University and College Union (UCU) and the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) is considering options for the future of the pension fund and whether the current Joint Negotiating Committee is fit for purpose. Meanwhile the re-ballot of 36 universities over strike action sees its deadline today.

The most senior members of UUK, UCU and USS, will hold their fifth scheduled meeting this month on 29 January, to try to resolve the dispute over the pension scheme, which led to eight days of strike action in November and December 2019. They have agreed to further talks throughout February and March.