The arguments that @UniversitiesUK are making to justify imposing a NEW REAL TERMS PAY CUT on us are ABSURD - as I argue in the thread below. Their arguments are given here: ucea.ac.uk/en/news/index.… 1/12 #USSStrike FIRST ARGUMENT: "HE institutions also feel that the merits of the benefits and working conditions they provide to staff are often overlooked, knowing that they do provide an excellent reward package". RESPONSE: Here they're justifying real pay cuts on the ... 2/12 #USSStrike

It is worth considering the likely approach of @TPRgovuk in our dispute in the context of the brand new (19 March 2018) government white paper 'Protecting Defined Benefit Pensions' 1/13 gov.uk/government/pub… This white paper, which @TPRgovuk has welcomed (here: thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/press/tpr-welc…), seems highly favourable to us. 2/13

5th April press release from @TPRgovuk makes for fascinating reading: thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/press/trustees… "Trustees and sponsoring employers of defined benefit pension schemes must do more to protect member benefits, The Pensions Regulator has warned." 1/2 #USSStrike "In its annual funding statement (AFS), published today, TPR says strong employers should consider contributing more money to reduce scheme deficits over a shorter period of time" 2/2 #USSStrike