The University and College Union campaigns for the improvement of the pay and conditions of further and higher education staff through the UK, and for the provision of high quality education opportunities.

Workload is an Education Issue

Rising workloads - linked to job and funding cuts and the increasing intensity of work in post-16 education - are a growing problem.

Following a number of key decisions at 2012 Congress, UCU is committed to campaigning to control workloads and tackle performance management strategies and occupational stress and bullying in the sector.

Stamp Out Casual Contracts

The UCU 'Stamp Out Casual Contracts' campaign is a high profile campaign highlighting the work that UCU is undertaking in fighting casualisation in further and higher education, which in all its forms is a blight to both sectors, bringing with it inefficiency, inequality and personal stress.

We want to change that. The aim of the campaign is to challenge casualisation, making all members aware of the issues, giving branches the materials and support they need to make a difference locally, and encouraging staff on casual contracts to join and become involved in UCU.

Fighting privatisation in tertiary education

The UK has one of the fastest growing private sectors in Europe and the level of private investment in tertiary education in the UK is already far above the EU and OECD averages. UCU is opposed to the privatisation of tertiary education.

Action for ESOL

There is deep concern over the recent funding restrictions on English as a Second Language. The changes to the funding mean that for many people with ESOL needs, course costs will shift from the public purse to the individual, unless employers make a contribution.

Points-based immigration

The Home Office has introduced a new points-based immigration system which awards points to workers' from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) for skills that reflect experience, age. The system has significant implications for members working in HE and FE.