Following a national ballot relating to changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)? the University and College Union (UCU) has indicated to the Vice–Chancellor that its members may take action short of a strike from Monday 10 October 2011.

The University enjoys constructive and productive relations with UCU and accepts that UCU members have the right to take such action. Nevertheless, we will be working hard to minimise the effect of this action upon our students, staff not involved in the action, customers and other stakeholders.

If you are a member of the USS you should now have received a letter via email from the Provost, Professor Adam Wheeler. The letter requests that any UCU members who intend to take action should notify their Dean or, in the case of MSA staff, the Chief Operating Officer or Registrar (as appropriate). Advance notification will enable us to plan for any disruption that is likely to occur; should they not be able to do so UCU members taking action are required to make the notification immediately afterwards.

The University welcomes the fact that the UCU is instructing its members to abide by the terms of their contract (including their obligation to perform their duties in an efficient manner). The University has made it clear that any withdrawal (including only partial performance of them) from the duties of their contract of employment will not be acceptable. The University’s policy in such circumstances may be found at http://www.soton.ac.uk/hr/working/policies/disputepay.pdf.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Malcolm Ace?(Chief Operating Officer),?Tessa Harrison?(Registrar)?and Adam Wheeler?(Provost)