Pay and salary
Staff at the University of Liverpool are offered a competitive salary, as well as transparency on future salary increases.
Salary scales
We offer an attractive pay and grading structure based on the National Pay Spine, which most members of staff are paid on. The University’s pay structure consists of 10 grades across 59 spine points.
View our Salary Scales and Hourly Rates (PDF).
Please note: Clinical staff have a separate salary scale, which is in line with the NHS pay and grading structure.
Incremental salary progression
Our incremental pay structure is fair and transparent. Grades 1 to 9 have a number of automatic spine points associated. Staff will automatically move to the next spine point once per year. The date on which an increment is received will depend on the specific staff category associated with your role.
Contribution points
Alongside our incremental salary progression spine points, staff at grades 3 to 9 also have access to contribution points, which are donated by a C in our Salary Scales and Hourly Rates (PDF). Movement to these contribution points it not automatic as with other spine points, and is only available via an application for an Exceptional Performance Award Application Form during the Annual Review window.
Annual pay review
Pay awards are negotiated nationally by UCEA on an annual basis and are effective from 1 August each year (1 April for clinical staff).
Real Living Wage
We're proud to be a Real Living Wage accredited employer since 2019. This means we always ensure our team members receive the higher of either the nationally negotiated pay rates or the Real Living Wage.
Annual review process
Our annual review process offers eligible staff the opportunity to apply for one of two types of awards over and above the automatic annual incremental change:
- Additional Increments on the pay spine to recognise sustained excellence
- A one-off, non-consolidated payment for exceptional performance.
Pensions
When you join the University of Liverpool, you’ll have access to one of our generous pension schemes. Access to different pension schemes will be dependent on your role.
Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS)
USS is a national scheme for eligible employees who are employed in a professional or academic-related role.
Find out more about the USS pension scheme.
University of Liverpool Pension Fund (ULPF)
ULPF is the University's dedicated pension scheme for support staff. This includes eligible employees in clerical, manual or technical roles.
Learn more about the ULPF pension.
National Health Service Pension Scheme (NHSPS)
We support colleagues who have been members of the NHSPS. New employees in clinical or clinical-related roles in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, who have been a member of the NHSPS in the 12 months prior to their appointment, may apply to remain in the NHSPS providing they do so within three months of their appointment.
Find out more about the NHSPS.
National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)
NEST is the University's pension scheme for casual workers and student workers, as well as any other employees who are not eligible to join USS or ULPF.
Explore the NEST scheme.
Long service awards
We love to celebrate the success of our colleagues. Our long service awards celebrate the dedication of our amazing staff who have reached milestones of 25, 40, and 50 years of continuous service.
Staff Awards
Our annual Staff Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the amazing work of our colleagues. It's a time to reflect on the skills and innovations that make our University successful and impactful. Categories include: Lecture of the Year; Research Impact of the Year; Technicians Award for Excellence; Outstanding Contribution too Equality and Diversity.
Find out more about our Staff Awards.
Professorial and senior staff pay
To achieve our Liverpool 20231 strategic vision, required forwarding thinking leaders and world-renowned academics. Find out about our Strategic Reward for Senior Staff Policy.
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