Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (10 April) commented on the Department for Education’s Teachers’ Pension Scheme funding announcement.

Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“This is a deeply disappointing decision that does not treat the different parts of the education sector on a level playing field. Two parts of the education sector - schools and colleges - get government-backed financial support, while independent schools get a government-designed pathway to leave the scheme - but universities are left to just take the hit. This unprecedented increase in pension costs for employers is effectively being imposed on modern universities by the effect of government legislation. Transition support for next year would have been the right thing to have agreed.

“Any recommendations from the Augar Review panel must now factor in this government-sanctioned employment cost when considering the future funding levels for post-18 education. Without sustained investment in higher education such cost increases will have a negative effect on the level of service students receive from universities.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
• The DfE announcement is available here
• MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
• What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
• Modern universities: key facts 2018