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University of the West of Scotland


Human Resources

Voluntary Severance/Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme 2010

The VS/VER 2010 scheme has been developed to support the University in managing the staffing implications of the changes necessary for achievement of its strategic and business plans and in managing recurrent employment costs in the context of a challenging economic and financial climate.

The scheme is open to all staff, including the Corporate Management Team, and will operate to a defined timetable.  Requests for an estimate of benefits and formal applications will only be considered from staff in areas where staff have the support of their Dean/Director.  The benefits available under the scheme are limited to a maximum payback period of one year, i.e. a maximum of one year’s salary including employer’s costs.

Decisions on the areas from which applications for VS/VER will be accepted will be informed by the outcomes of portfolio review in academic areas, review of service provision in support areas, business and workforce planning processes, and the financial position of each Faculty/Department in the context of established savings targets.  Ongoing consultation with the recognised unions will take place on these issues and the application of this scheme.

The timetable for the scheme is:-

  • Latest date for intimation of interest and request for an estimate by 3 September 2010
  • Formal applications by and closure of the scheme to applications on 1 October 2010
  • Initial review of applications expected to be completed by 22 October 2010
  • Formal approval of applications expected to be completed by 19 November 2010
  • Confirmation of outcomes to individuals by 26 November 2010
  • Formal offers made by 17 December 2010
  • Formal offers to be accepted by 14 January 2011

If you are interested in VS/VER then please contact your Dean/Director as soon as possible to discuss whether you may be able to be released under the VS/VER scheme.  Where your Dean/Director confirms that you may be able to be released, you may complete and submit, via your Dean/Director to the Director of Human Resources, the pro forma that is enclosed with the attached papers headed ‘Request for an estimate of benefits’.  An indication of the earliest leaving date agreed with your Dean/Director is necessary to enable as accurate an estimate as possible to be prepared.

You should be assured that an expression of interest in VS/VER which does not proceed to severance or early retirement will have no bearing on your continued employment with the University

General questions relating to the information contained in the attached paper can be raised with Iain Grant, Director of Human Resources (contactable via Lorraine McCormack on 0141 848 3938 or at lorraine.mccormack@uws.ac.uk).

Estimates of VS/VER benefits will be provided by the Finance Department and questions related to these can be raised with Andrew Heron, Management Accountant (0141 848 3547 or at andrew.heron@uws.ac.uk).  Staff are advised to consider taking independent financial advice where decisions on financial options are being considered.  You may also wish to contact your trade union representative if you are considering VS/VER.

Managers are asked to ensure that this message and details of the VS/VER 2010 scheme are brought to the attention of staff without access to email.