Non-academic employees at a higher education establishment have obtained up to seven extra days of paid annual leave.
Administrative and technical workers on grades one through nine, employed full-time, will become eligible for thirty days of holiday from September onwards, available from their first day of employment, after talks between the institution and the union.
The changes follow sustained efforts to reduce disparities in vacation allowances between support personnel and academic employees, who presently enjoy thirty-five days off yearly.
Union branch secretary Ivan Bonsall commented that staff in professional services positions constitute the vital core of the university. They manage student registration, maintain clean and safe buildings, and provide welfare support to students. Despite their contributions, they receive inferior treatment to their academic counterparts while regularly working longer hours and enjoying fewer days away from work. This decision marks advancement, yet the union’s pursuit of matching holiday entitlements continues.
The institution stated the modification removes variations connected to job classification or length of service and provides considerable enhancement for many workers. Those at the base of the salary structure will receive the full seven-day uplift.
Regional secretary Jo Galloway noted that employees gaining additional paid leave will benefit themselves and their families. However, achieving complete equality between teaching and support workers remains incomplete. Pay in professional services stays insufficient. With financial pressures continuing, senior management must now confront persistent low pay and demonstrate recognition for all staff.
The university has additionally agreed to examine wage band thresholds for the lowest-remunerated workers as part of the settlement, which could result in better pay for facilities and cleaning staff.
Support staff intend to maintain their push for equivalent annual leave to that of their teaching counterparts, according to the union.