Changes to future pension benefits provided by Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) have been proposed by the scheme’s Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC). A period of formal consultation begins today, 16 March 2015, with affected employees and their representatives.

Information leaflets and an accompanying notice have been sent to affected employees and full consultation material and other resources are available on the employer consultation website at www.ussconsultation.co.uk where responses to the proposals can be left.

The University will be consulting directly with affected employees through a number of presentations which will be held in April. Towers Watson, independent pension specialists, have been engaged to carry out member presentations aimed at explaining how these proposals will impact you and answer questions you may have. Presentations will be held on 7 April at the Medway campus and 8, 13, 14, 15 April in Canterbury. Venues and times will be publicised shortly.

Several consultation meetings with staff representatives are scheduled in April and May. Questions can be channelled through staff representative for these meetings.