The full statement following the first of five meetings between the University and College Union (UCU), Universities UK (UUK) and Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) in relation to the recommendations of the Joint Expert Panel's (JEP) second report has been published.
The statement, which can also be found on the JEP website is as follows:
"The tripartite group held a productive first meeting. Each body (UCU, UUK and USS) expressed their commitment to a collective dialogue.
"There was an agreement to reach a better understanding and to have a full discussion on the recommendations of the JEP2 report, recognising substantial alignment of interests.
"There was a willingness to discuss all of the issues and recommendations. There was a recognition that some of the recommendations fall more naturally to one or to some parties than to all. But there was also a recognition that some of them will require a genuinely collective discussion.
"It was agreed that the next meeting would consider a Scheme Purpose Statement and the Shared Valuation Principles."
The second meeting was held on 17 January, and a statement of this meeting will follow within seven days.