Southampton Solent University must immediately pause plans to shift support staff to an inferior pension scheme, says UNISON today (Tuesday 28 October 2025).
Last month, vice chancellor Professor James Knowles announced a proposal to outsource university staff to a subsidiary company (often known as a “sub-co”).
The company, Solent University Services Limited, was set up several years ago and already employs some staff at the university.
But the changes mean transferred staff will be denied access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), in favour of a scheme with reduced benefits, says UNISON.
Instead of receiving payments linked to salary and length of service, workers will be offered a reduced retirement package linked to investment returns, the union says. They will also lose other benefits, such as early retirement options, UNISON adds.
The university has confirmed staff who refuse to transfer to the sub-co will have effectively resigned, with no entitlement to a notice period or redundancy package.
Under LGPS regulations, Southampton Solent University is classed as a ‘scheduled body’. This means it is legally required to provide access to the local government scheme for all staff who are directly employed.
By shifting staff into a subsidiary company, Solent is using a loophole to get around the law and sidestepping its responsibilities to those workers, the union says.
UNISON South East regional organiser Louise Barter said: “Solent’s loyal staff deserve decent pensions, not cuts to their retirement package. We’ve heard from workers who are frightened and angry they may need to change their retirement plans.
“Many have given decades of service and feel utterly let down by the university’s actions. One member of staff called it a slap in the face for those who’ve stayed loyal through years of redundancies and poor pay rises.
“Management must pause these damaging plans and work with unions to protect the people who keep this important university running.”
