DEFENDING ACADEMIC PENSIONS

Early day motion 619, tabled 29 November 2017 by Carol Monaghan (Scottish National Party). Signed by 137 members.

That this House recognises that academic staff in universities make a vital contribution to ensuring the supply of skilled graduates to UK businesses; believes all staff working in universities should have access to a secure and decent pension; notes with concern the proposal by Universities UK to close the defined benefit portion of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) to all future service; further believes this would significantly reduce the security of retirement income for academic staff in many UK universities, making careers in those institutions less attractive; and calls on the Government to review the current situation and urge Universities UK to work with University and College Union to find a better solution which ensures that USS remains competitive compared with pensions offered to other education staff and those in other professional occupations.

Signatures by party: Labour 70, Scottish National Party 33, Labour/Co-operative 13, Liberal Democrat 11, Plaid Cymru 4, Independent 3, Conservative 1, DUP 1, Green 1.