As you’ll remember, based on the results of our pay survey, we met the Company to discuss your feedback results. We reported that our members were looking for at least an above inflation pay rise. Inflation sat at 3.6% RPI and 2.2% CPI at the start of the pay campaign at the start of September. (Although Unite considers RPI to be the most appropriate measure of the price inflation affecting our members, Aviva and most major financial institutions use CPI. During the pay talks the rate of CPI actually dropped to 1.7% then increased to 2.4% up to 2.6%. Inflation currently stands at 2.5% 2024 December – release date 15 January 2025).

 

We shared our view on pay 2025/2026 and said that our section believes our members should receive :

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• A pay budget of 6% (based on the forensic accountant’s report)

 

The results of the Heritage Friends Life Unite in Aviva section survey were similar (5% pay budget based on member survey results), and this was reflected in their formal pay claim

 

Pay Budget

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We attended several meetings with the Company. We shared the members’ survey and discussed the feedback and issues members had raised with us, from the cost of living, to colleagues receiving a fair share of the Company’s financial success and overall affordability. The Company’s position that they need to manage costs especially in light of the increase to employers’ national insurance contributions and to keep the business competitive.

 

Aviva continues to stress to Unite the value of the total reward package of employee benefits that it offers and that Aviva is a Real Living Wage employer that sets minimum salaries 8% higher than the official rates, so colleagues can make an 8% pension contribution (to fully benefit from the matching employer contribution) and still take home the Real Living Wage.

 

Salary Ranges

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Each year we raise the issue of pay ranges with Unite presenting feedback from members who say that their colleagues are leaving for better salaries elsewhere and/or that new recruits are being brought into Aviva on higher salaries than existing employees. The company responded by carrying out a review of pay data across all Aviva UK locations, which was shared and discussed during the negotiations. Compared to many other companies Aviva grades do have quite wide pay ranges. Aviva has stated that it does not believe there is a requirement to introduce any new or specific regional pay arrangements across Aviva. The company view is that Aviva is well positioned in the market and through guidance to leaders, any local market demands can be managed on a case-by-case basis through the annual budget available.

 

Minimum Pay Rise

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Aviva has once again declined to include a guaranteed minimum pay rise to address the concern raised by some Unite members that they can end up with a pay rise significantly below the headline pay budget. The company position is that a minimum pay rise would create more risk of perpetuating salary differentials and would restrict leaders from managing their budgetary spend in the most appropriate way and to be able to address specific salary needs locally and on an individual basis.

 

If any Unite members has any concerns about their pay review, they should of course raise this with their leader in the first instance. If that does not resolve the situation, then please contact a union rep for advice.

 

Pay Offer

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On that basis, the pay offer for 2025 is outlined below:

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• A pay budget of 4.5% for employees at grades A to E

• Salary ranges to be increased by an average of 4%

 

What now?

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The next step in the process is for the Heritage Friends Life section to vote on this pay deal in a formal ballot. As you are aware, our Heritage Aviva section does not have full negotiating rights so is not balloted. However, we would like to know what you think of the offer, so we are asking you to do two things for us:

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•        Let us know what you think of this year’s pay settlement and have YOUR say HERE. You have until Thursday 30th January 2025 to get in touch.

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•        Help us recruit so that next year all Unite in Aviva members get their say in the negotiations and can have their say in the formal ballot.

 

If any of your colleagues want to find out more, we now hold two “Introduction to Unite” Teams call a month to help colleagues find out more about who we are and why it’s important to join a union. So, if you talk to your colleagues about joining the union and they’re still not completely convinced, get them to message us at unitetheunion@aviva.com and we’ll add them to our next call.

 

Or, if they’re already convinced share your membership number and the member get member link for them to join. Not only will you be helping to grow the campaign, but you’ll also earn yourself up to £25 in love2shop vouchers.

 

Don’t forget to follow us on WorkVivo and our other social media platforms to keep up to date.

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