Statement: Cost of Living Measures

Published: 5th October, 2022

Leicester UCU appreciates the measures introduced by the Executive Board to help ease pressures of the cost of living crisis. For reference (as communicated by the Vice Chancellor on 6/09 to all staff) these are:

• Overall reduction in monthly car park charges from the 1 October
• Travel for free on the University shuttle bus that runs from the Village down to the City Campus
• Discounted bus and train tickets via SmartGo and the Hospital hopper will cost just £2 for staff, students and visitors
• Free tea, coffee and milk will be provided in all staff common rooms and kitchens. In addition, we will provide free, cold ‘grab and go’ breakfast options for staff. 
• Financial wellbeing sessions are planned to be held on 1 November 2022

We recognise that these measures would not be necessary if staff salaries were raised in line with inflation, instead of the 3% rise which was implemented in August.

Leicester UCU therefore implores the University Executive to publicly challenge the position of the employers’ body, UCEA, in imposing a real terms 9% pay cut, which will go some way in meeting our demand of increased pay; one facet of our current ballot campaign.