Cost of living support for staff
We are aware that the rising cost of living is impacting many of our staff and their families. We have a range of support in place to help you through this.
Pay
Earlier this year we worked collaboratively with our trade union colleagues to make changes to our grade boundaries, resulting in pay increases of up to 6.5 per cent for more than 5,000 of our colleagues. As part of this, we invested an additional £6.3 million per year into staff salaries. This is in addition to the national pay award which saw pay increases of at least 3 per cent, with increases of up to 9 per cent for colleagues on grades 1 to 5.5.
However, given the continued rise in inflation, it was important to us that the University was able to do something further. Therefore, we are making an additional payment of £1,000 to all colleagues, equating to a further investment of £8.4 million. This will be pro-rated for part-time staff and will be paid in 10 equal instalments between October 2022 and July 2023. The additional payment will apply to all staff on all grades, with the exception of UEB members. To provide casual workers and Graduate Teaching Assistants an equivalent increase, we are paying an additional £0.55 for each hour worked between October 2022 and July 2023.
Working on campus
Many of us are now splitting our working hours between on campus and remote working. With utility costs rising, some colleagues may wish to work on campus more frequently to reduce their home bills.
We recognise that for some there may be costs such as those associated with travelling or other benefits associated with working from home, and this may not be a solution for everyone.
The below article, published in April 2021 by Dr Stuart Walker, assesses the environmental impact of working from home and may provide some useful context to help you decide what is best for you.
Read Working from home: lessons from lockdown?
Colleagues travelling in to campus are welcome to use our free shower facilities. Find a list of these here.
Wellbeing support
We recognise that this may be an anxious time for many. If you need mental health or wellbeing support, the University offers a wide range of support services.
If you're struggling and need support, do not hesitate to contact the Staff Helpline & Counselling Service.
New financial management sessions
As a result of the recent rise in the cost of living, we understand that one of your main concerns may be how to best manage your finances, including the decisions you are facing with your outgoings and expenses.
With this in mind, the University is working with financial wellbeing specialists Wealth at Work to deliver a webinar to help you gain a better understanding of the following topics:
- The increasing cost of living
- Reviewing your finances whilst reducing your costs
- Available Government help and tax savings
Access financial education sessions
University parking
We are committed to freezing the cost of parking for the remainder of the financial year. Car parking is free for staff on Grade 2.
Food and drink offers
We’re freezing our prices in our GeniUS venues
We are freezing the 2021/22 pricing in all of our cafes and bars across campus and in the residences until the end of July 2023. You can also get a 5 per cent loyalty bonus if you register with the GeniUS reward scheme.
Students' Union offers
Look out for money saving meal deals in our Students' Union outlets, including a sandwich, chips & drink, or pasta & drink for £5 from Interval, and £1 tea or filter coffee from Coffee Revolution.
Rewards and benefits
The Deal
The Deal is an online package of benefits for employees, which includes savings on healthcare, sustainable travel solutions, discounts, and shopping rewards. Other colleagues can nominate staff for vouchers of gifts through The Deal.
Earn rewards for sustainable travel
Through the BetterPoints app you can earn rewards for travelling to the University on foot, by bike or using public transport. The BetterPoints you earn are a digital currency that can be spent at University catering outlets, redeemed for high street vouchers, or donated to charity.
Get student discount with a TOTUM card
As a member of staff at the University you are eligible to purchase TOTUM membership. TOTUM is the new name for the NUS extra discount card, giving you access to hundreds of UK online and high street offers and discounts, including 10% off in-store when you shop with Co-op Food.
You are also eligible for student bus fares on presentation of your TOTUM card, meaning a single journey with First or Stagecoach is £1.20.