The ongoing value of job evaluation in challenging times

UK universities are experiencing a period of significant financial pressure. Falling income, rising costs, and the need to reduce expenditure are leading many to reassess their operational priorities.

In this context, HR budgets are under close scrutiny, and some are questioning whether they should continue to invest in their job evaluation scheme.

At first glance it might seem tempting to scale back on job evaluation activity, especially where there is little intention to create new roles in the short term. After all, the imperative is more likely to be about reducing headcount not recruiting.

However, this view underestimates the vital importance of a robust job evaluation scheme, even during periods of organisational contraction.

Cutting JE is cutting your defence 

Without a recognised job evaluation scheme, you strip away your primary defence against equal pay claims. A well-established, credible job evaluation process such as HERA provides an essential framework for ensuring fairness, transparency, and consistency in pay decisions. Even when headcount is reducing and recruitment is paused, universities will need to adapt roles and restructure services. Without job evaluation, changes to existing posts could be implemented without due consideration to appropriate pay levels, creating real potential for inequality.

Legal and employee relations risks 

Removing or suspending a formal job evaluation scheme introduces significant legal and reputational risks. Equal pay legislation requires that men and women receive equal pay for work of equal value. If roles are adjusted in response to organisational change without being properly re-evaluated, employers may find it difficult to demonstrate compliance. Trade unions and individual employees may also be more likely to challenge changes in pay or grading.

Strategic workforce planning needs foundations 

Support from ECC 

At ECC, we can help you make the best use of HERA to support your reward strategy, talent management, and organisational change. Whether you’re managing reductions in staffing or reshaping your structure, our team helps to ensure your job evaluation processes remain robust, relevant, and defensible even in tough times.

Conclusion 

Universities that withdraw from job evaluation risk storing up greater challenges for the future.