The National Framework Agreement was agreed with various unions in 2004. One of the key recommendations is the retention of a broad national framework for determining the pay and conditions of service of higher education staff, but with freedoms within the framework for institutions to develop the detail. The deadline for implementation of the agreement was 1 August 2006, but three quarters of universities have not yet finished the process.
The main features of the national framework agreement are:
- The framework was agreed in 2004 by negotiation with the following unions the University and College Union UCU, (formerly the AUT and Natfhe unions). Unison, Amicus, TGWU and GMB
- It has a 51 point pay spine, to which all university staff will be assigned. The pay spine is subject to annual review
- Individual universities must agree new grading structures, negotiated with local unions, to fit into the pay framework.
- All Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) must introduce an analytical job evaluation scheme, which assesses the relative ‘size’ of jobs in order to place them in rank order, and assign them to the new pay structure.
- Harmonisation of hours: HEIs are required to consider harmonising the hours of work for jobs that are rated as equivalent in value under the job evaluation scheme. This needs to be agreed through negotiation with the respective trade unions.
- Pay progression: all HEIs need to negotiate how staff will progress within and between grades.
It is best to seek clarification from your employer and or trade union before the evaluation process begins. Many organisations are using HERA or the Hay scheme.
Membership of a trade union will give access to further support.
Updated: 19 June 2007