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Update on 25-26 pay award

28 Jul 2025

Implementation of pay increases for colleagues in August payroll

University of Manchester

We would like to update you on the implementation of the 2025–26 pay award, which will take effect from 1 August 2025.

What is the 2025-26 pay award?

  • The 2025/26 pay award will mean a 1.4% uplift in your pay
  • This 1.4% increase will be applied to all pay spine points from 1 August 2025 and the JNCHES pay spine has been updated to reflect these changes.
  • The pay increase will be applied to your August 2025 salary, regardless of whether you receive your pay in the middle or at the end of the month.

Who does this apply to?

  • This pay award covers all colleagues in Grades 1–8 including any groups with pay arrangements based on the pay spine e.g. our casual pay spine
  • Although not covered by national collective bargaining, Grade 9 colleagues will also receive a 1.4% increase.

Some groups are subject to separate pay arrangements and are therefore not included in this award. This includes:

  • Members of the University Executive, whose pay is overseen by the Remuneration Committee.
  • Clinical colleagues, who are covered by the NHS pay framework.

If you're unsure whether this applies to you please have a look at our pages on StaffNet or reach out via our contacts page.

How is pay decided nationally?

Each year, pay for the higher education sector is negotiated through the Joint Negotiating Committee for Higher Education Staff (JNCHES) process. This is led by the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), which negotiates on behalf of around 140 universities with the five recognised trade unions: EIS, GMB, UCU, UNISON, and Unite.

While the 2025–26 pay offer has not been accepted by the trade unions following the conclusion of dispute resolution procedures, UCEA has advised participating universities to implement the award as outlined above.

Your reward package 

We know that pay is just one part of your overall reward package. We continue to invest in broader initiatives – including pensions, wellbeing, and career development – to ensure you feel supported and valued in your role.

For more information, please visit Purple Place and our wellbeing pages. If you have any questions about this update, please visit our FAQ's or contact us via the contacts page.