Pay and pensions

Welcome to our pay and pensions page. This page contains further information about the University’s remuneration policy including pay structures and pay dates and the pension schemes in operation at the University.

Pay

We are committed to offering colleagues a pay and benefits package that is equitable and fair. The University’s Remuneration Policy sets out the University’s policy on pay, grading and our pay structures. The points below also outline key elements from the remuneration policy that you need to know as a new colleague.

Date and method of payment

Salary is payable monthly in arrears on the last Wednesday of each month, except in December when payment is always made before Christmas. Payment is made by direct credit to a recognised bank or building society account. Pay slips can be accessed on MyView.

Increments

Increments will be paid on 1 August each year until the maximum spinal point within the grade is reached. Employees with less than 6 months’ service in the grade by 1 August of any one year shall be granted their first increment on the 1st of the month following completion of 6 months’ service in the grade. Please see section 3.2 of the Remuneration Policy for more details.

Cost of living pay award

The annual cost of living pay award is awarded with effect from 1 August each year, following the outcome of national negotiations between the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) representing employers and the nationally recognised trade unions from within the Higher Education Sector. Where the pay award has not been agreed through these negotiations by 1 August, the award will be backdated. Please see section 3.2 of the Remuneration Policy for more details.

Re-assessment of grade

The Reassessment of Grade Procedure explains the process of reassessing the grade of a role within the University to ensure that the individual receives the correct remuneration for the role that he/she is undertaking and that the University is fulfilling its legal obligations in respect of equal pay for work of equal value. This process can be instigated by the individual role holder or an appropriate manager. The full procedure can be found in Appendix 4 of the Appendix 4 of Remuneration Policy Regrading Procedure.

Pensions

 To help save more for their retirement, all employers are required by law to provide a workplace pension scheme, subject to eligibility criteria.

Our Pension Scheme is part of the Universities and Colleges Retirement Saving Scheme (UCRSS) administered by Aviva.

Entry into the SUPS is automatic and you will be asked to confirm your contribution rate which will be calculated on your gross salary. Both you and the University will pay contributions into the scheme every month, and most employees will get tax relief from the Government when they pay into a workplace pension.

Further information

Detailed Information on both pension schemes can be found on the relevant scheme’s website, along with online benefit calculators. Colleagues are encouraged to review these resources in the first instance. Having reviewed these resources, should you require any further information then support can be accessed as follows:

For general queries including contribution rates, please contact the Payroll Team via email payroll@staffs.ac.uk 

If you would like to discuss your retirement plans then please contact your School/Service HR Advisor or Business Partner.

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