A joint statement from University of York management, UCU, Unison and Unite

The University of York management, UCU, Unison and Unite have agreed to the following statement on 26 February 2026.

The University of York and our three campus trade unions - UCU, UNISON and Unite - are proud to reaffirm our shared commitment to being an accredited Real Living Wage employer.

As a University for Public Good, York has been an accredited employer since 2021, voluntarily paying above the government's statutory National Living Wage.

This ensures our lowest-paid colleagues receive a wage that keeps pace with the actual cost of living.

New Real Living Wage uplift

Following a recent Living Wage Foundation announcement, the RLW rate will increase to £13.45 per hour across the UK from 1 April 2026.

This move will result in pay increases for 255 employees. This has required the uplift of spine points 13 and 14. These points are the foundation of our Grade 1 and Grade 2 roles.

Maintaining a sustainable and fair pay structure

Whilst noting the importance of this uplift, we recognise that narrowing the gap between pay points creates challenges, particularly for some long-serving staff who have given a number of years’ service to the University.

We want to ensure that career progression remains both attractive and fairly rewarded. We have agreed to put in place some new arrangements for the members of staff directly impacted, to mitigate the effect of the pay compression caused by the necessary uplift to our lower spine points.

We also commit to exploring other ways to recognise experience and responsibility, and how to make the transition between grades remain meaningful.

The University and our campus unions are prioritising this ongoing work, ensuring that our pay framework evolves fairly to be sustainable, fair and competitive at all levels. This collaborative effort is absolutely central to our shared goal of maintaining a rewarding working environment, where every member of our University community feels valued for their contribution and dedication.

Signatories:

  • Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor, University of York
  • York UCU
  • UNISON
  • Unite