Email to students 20 February 2023

Important update - industrial action at universities

Dear students,

Following progress at the national negotiations, I am pleased to announce that the planned industrial action will be ‘paused’ until 2 March to enable further talks to take place.

Teaching and learning will continue as originally planned in the next two weeks. Any staff who may have been due to strike during this period will be back teaching.  

Assessing impact on studies

I recognise that students who have been affected by strike action so far will want to know how we are tackling the past two weeks’ disruption. We will work closely with Departments/Schools to update you on how we are evaluating  and responding to any impact on your studies.

Thank you for your patience as we work through this. We are still gathering updates from staff about whether they took part in the strikes (they are not yet required to tell us, even though they may have informed you directly).

What happens next in the national negotiations

The national negotiations on pay and conditions are ongoing, facilitated by the independent conciliation body, ACAS. These talks will continue over the next two weeks. 

There has also been progress on the parallel pensions dispute, with both sides making a very positive joint statement about the prospects of restoring member benefits.

I really hope all parties can move ahead towards a comprehensive agreement in the coming days, and build a platform looking ahead for much-needed stability in the sector.

This is only a ‘pause’, but a clear opportunity

I have to alert you that the national trade union - University and College Union (UCU) - has clearly stated that this is, for now, a ‘pause’ in their planned action, and that the strikes scheduled for later in March could still go ahead.

But I have to say, we now have an opportunity to tackle the deeper issues which have driven these disputes. It is vital that everyone, employers and trade unions together, grasp this opportunity. I will certainly be working hard to do so. 

As ever, I will keep you updated with the major developments and you can check on our dedicated industrial action pages for the latest guidance. 

Best wishes,

Charlie

Charlie Jeffery
Vice-Chancellor and President