ALT UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘University vice chancellors have today chosen to steal tens of thousands from the retirement income of staff. This is a deplorable attack which our members won’t take lying down. If these so-called leaders of higher education thought this was the end of this dispute, they have another thing coming. ‘UCU tried repeatedly to reach a compromise in negotiations, but employers refused even the most modest increases in contributions, instead opting to slash the benefits of staff whilst hoarding billions in reserves. UCU’s compromise proposals, which represented the best route out of this dispute, were rejected by employers and the JNC chair. ‘These cuts aren’t just an attack on our members’ retirement but also on higher education more widely. Staff know they deserve better than falling pay and massive pension cuts and many will sadly choose to leave the sector. Those considering academia as a career will think again. ‘On Friday our union will discuss