University workers could strike over pension block

University workers in West Sussex could go on strike after the latest recruits were told they are no longer allowed to join "industry standard pension schemes".

Instead, new staff at The University of Chichester will only have access to a pension which is "drastically inferior, leaving them much poorer in retirement", the University and College Union (UCU) said on Thursday.

It accused the university of creating a "two-tier workforce", adding that "a ballot and potential action" could not be ruled out.

The University of Chichester says it has been "impacted by rising costs and has taken measures to protect its long-term financial sustainability".

UCU said access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS) was prevented earlier this month when, "without any meaningful consultation", the university stopped employing all new staff directly.

Instead it created a company through which to hire them, the union said.

"LGPS and TPS are defined benefit schemes and the new scheme is drastically inferior, providing no guaranteed income in retirement," said a UCU spokesperson.

"We believe this will leave Chichester workers many thousands of pounds per year worse off once they retire."

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: "Our members will resist this attempt to tear up national agreements, shut down pension access and create a two-tier workforce.

"They have the national union's full backing," she added.

A university spokesperson said: "As part of a range of measures openly discussed with unions and staff, we have introduced a new pension scheme which applies to new staff joining after 1 April 2026.

"Existing staff will remain enrolled on their current pension schemes unless they wish to transfer to the new one.

"The proposals were raised with trade union representatives in joint consultative group meetings in September 2025 and February this year," they added.

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