November 2002

2002 Pay Negotiations: Further Update

As this newsletter was being prepared the Association of Colleges (AoC) were still refusing to re-open negotiations following its decision to advise colleges to impose an increase in pay of 2.3%. The AoC’s position is disappointing as more and more colleges appear to be choosing to ignore the AoC’s advice and are giving increases significantly greater than 2.3%. Sixth-form college employers have already agreed a 3.5% pay increase. NATFHE, ATL and UNISON are still planning on going ahead with strike action on 5th November. ACM sees such action as unfortunate but understandable in the light of AoC’s decision not to re-open negotiations. The Association has advised that members should, unless directed otherwise by the Association, carry out their normal duties and avoid any breach of their contract of employment. Members are encouraged to avoid acting in a manner that undermines or interferes with the action of staff carrying out the lawful policies of their own trade unions. Further advice is available on the ACM website.

However, there does seem to be the possibility of a resolution on the horizon. In England, AoC are pinning their hopes on an announcement of extra funding for pay to be made by the Secretary of State for Education at a speech scheduled for the AoC conference on 19th November.

Any additional funding is likely to be linked to further reform on employment practices within the sector. Margaret Hodge has already announced a further £32m funding for the extension of TPI and the introduction of the College Pay Initiative, something warmly welcomed by the Association.

In Wales, Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Jane Davidson has announced funding for a three-year package on pay, which will result in a further across the board pay increase of 3% in April next year, with additional increases targeted at low paid support and teaching staff in year two and three. The Association has welcomed these developments, although there are concerns that the Assembly appears to be encroaching on the remit of colleges to negotiate on pay and condition of service issues without properly consulting all of the recognised trades unions.

The Association is continuing to bring pressure to bear on Ministers and General Secretary, Peter Pendle, will be meeting with Education Minister, Ivan Lewis, early in November in order to argue the case for additional funding prior to the detailed CSR announcement being made at the AoC conference. Developments can be followed on the ACM web site at www.acm.uk.com.

The Challenge For Leaders: Delivering Excellence

ACM Conference for Managers sponsored by TES

Tuesday 18th March 2003 and Wednesday 19th March 2003 at Manchester Conference Centre

Speakers include:

Ivan Lewis MP
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Adult Learning and Skills

Jane Williams
Head of DfES Standards
in Teaching and
Learning Unit

David Sherlock
Chief Inspector, Adult Learning Inspectorate

David Gibson
Chief Executive,
Association of Colleges

Brendan Barber
Deputy General Secretary,
Trades Unions Congress

John Kerr
Chief Executive, Edexcel

Chris Hughes
Chief Executive,
Learning and Skills
Development Agency

The conference brochure will be with you shortly. To guarantee your place, complete the booking form and fax it back to us as soon as possible.