USS strike: staff walkout is only way left to stop unnecessary pension cuts

Dr Marsh speaks from the heart here - I have seen first-hand how much time and effort Dr Marsh has put into understanding the issue over several years, and coming up with a solution that could satisfy UUK, UCU and the Pensions Regulator. IMO, the recent valuation is unduly pessimistic, due to historically low interest rates. A recent Telegraph article showed that DB deficits halved last month, as soon as there was a hint of higher interest rates. The Tier 1 test is very volatile, and gives no basis for a long-term valuation. Recent reports show that Oxbridge, and Oxbridge's 69 colleges (which are NOT valid members of UUK), have skewed the USS consultation - in order to gain a competitive advantage in the marketised HE sector. This is the folly of marketisation in HE. It's time for UUK to re-start meaningful negotiations.