Dear University of Kent UCU members 

As you will know, union subscription rates are dependent on earnings, and national subscription rates are reviewed every year.

Current national rates, applicable from 1st September 2016 to 31st August 2017 are set out on the UCU web site at http://www.ucu.org.uk/1693.

 Please make sure – particularly if you have recently been promoted – that you are in the correct income band.

 Those members who pay by salary deduction need do nothing: the university pay office is kept informed of the current rates, and they will apply them to salaries appropriately.

 However those of you who pay by direct debit may not realise that there is NO automatic update mechanism. Neither the local branch, nor UCU headquarters know what you earn, and for membership purposes, you remain in the income band you first placed yourself until you yourself update your membership record. If you have been promoted recently you may be paying too little – if you are on maternity leave at reduced pay you may be paying too much.

 It is important that you pay the correct subscription, for the sake of both yourself and the union. From the union web site:

 “The subscription you pay is based on your earnings. Please ensure that you pay the correct subscription; failure to do so may disqualify you from receiving legal advice and other benefits.”

 You can update your membership record, including your subscription rate, at any time by going to the members page at:

 http://www.ucu.org.uk/ucumembership

 and logging in to member services.

 If you are not sure how to do this, or you have any queries about your UCU membership, please contact Owen Lyne or Mark Dean