University staff have seen pay fall sharply in real terms over the recent inflationary peak – just as universities have seen income fall in real terms and the costs of doing business grow.
Under such circumstances, the ongoing industrial dispute over pay and conditions has been longer and more bitter than any in recent memory. The sector is currently facing a marking and assessment boycott that could affect the progression and qualification of many students.
But how did we get here? It’s a significant understatement to describe sector industrial relations as “complex” and “fractious” – and if you’ve not been following every twist and turn of the various letters, ballots, and statements issued by all those involved it is quite easy to get lost.
For that reason – as plainly and as clearly as is possible – I’ve attempted to set out an explanation of what is happening, what it means, and what might happen next.
