All UCU headlines

UCU slams plans for university fees in budget review recommendations

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:16:40 GMT

UCU slammed plans in the Independent Budget Review to reintroduce university tuition fees in Scotland. The union said the review, which also recommended 60,000 jobs be axed and a public sector pay freeze, had gone beyond its remit.

Academy warns government to drop plans for private universities

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:22:11 GMT

UCU today (Monday) warned the government that encouraging the growth of private universities would damage the UK's international reputation and invite serious questions about standards.

Uproar as employers block referendum on universities' pension fund changes

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:23:10 GMT

Members of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) will be denied the opportunity to vote on changes to their pension scheme after the employers' representatives rejected calls for a ballot of all affected members at a board of trustees meeting last night.

Campaign update: 23 July 2010

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:13:57 GMT

Further university funding cuts will damage country, warns UCU

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:15:29 GMT

UCU said the timing of an £82m cut, announced today by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as part of its revised grant awards made a mockery of government calls for universities to exercise sensible financial strategies.

UCU responds to minister's speech on plans for further education colleges

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:39:37 GMT

Responding to a speech by the further education minister, John Hayes, UCU today said the government had to ensure that colleges' vital work in all areas of the country was allowed to continue.

Renowned specialist adult learning unit under threat

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:12:53 GMT

Staff and students at London South Bank University (LSBU) are leading protests against plans to close a specialist adult education unit at the university

UCL under increasing pressure to pay staff living wage

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:13:05 GMT

Staff at the University College London (UCL) have put pressure on the Provost, Michael Grant, as part of their campaign to get cleaning, catering and security staff at the university paid the London Living Wage of £7.85 an hour.

Ballot of all pension scheme members essential if consultation process to have any legitimacy, says UCU

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:18:51 GMT

UCU today said a ballot of all members of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) was required if the forthcoming consultation process was to have any legitimacy.

Campaign update: 16 July 2010

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:22:35 GMT

Budget cuts will cost 34,000 college jobs

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:39:20 GMT

If the government pushes ahead with plans for 25% funding cuts then there would be a loss of 33,844 jobs in English colleges, according to new figures released today by the UCU.

UCU reacts to latest UCAS figures

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 16:03:37 GMT

UCU today said that funding cuts to higher education would create a 'lost generation' of learners. Responding to UCAS figures published today, the union warned that at least 170,000 applicants will miss out on a university place this year.

Prison educators vote yes to action over contract changes

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:28:42 GMT

UCU members employed by Britain's largest prison education provider, Manchester College, have today voted in favour of industrial action following contract changes introduced by the college which would seriously worsen pay and conditions of service.

UCU responds to Vince Cable's speech on graduate tax plans

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:32:40 GMT

UCU said today that its concerns about government plans for the future of university funding remained after a speech from the business secretary Vince Cable. The union said the government needed to clarify if students would be picking up the bill, through a graduate tax or other funding models, for its cuts agenda.

Union warns Cable against graduate tax 'rebranding exercise'

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 09:00:45 GMT

Ahead of a key speech by the business secretary, Vince Cable, on 15 July, UCU warned the government that a graduate tax had to be more than just a rebranding exercise that increased the financial burden on students.

Staff to strike at Croydon College in row over pay

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:22:29 GMT

Members of UCU at Croydon College will be on strike on 13 July in a row over controversial changes to pay.

UCU welcomes decision to postpone plans to force economic impact into research

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:10:12 GMT

UCU today welcomed the announcement from the minister for universities and science, David Willetts, that there would be a oneyear delay in order to review proposed changes to the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

Campaign update: 9 July 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:16:32 GMT

Controversy as taxpayers' money used to fund catering and PR campaign in pensions row

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:19:05 GMT

A quango is under fire today for funding university employers to the tune of £627,000 to help them make the case for reducing their staff's pensions.

UCU says industrial action inevitable if pension changes forced through

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:20:31 GMT

UCU warned today that universities should brace themselves for serious industrial disruption after it emerged that the chairman of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Joint Negotiating Committee, Sir Andrew Cubie, sided with the employers' representatives in negotiations over the future of the pension scheme.

Budget cuts will cost 22,500 university jobs

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:37:40 GMT

If the government pushes ahead with plans for 25% funding cuts then there will be a loss of 22,584 university jobs in England alone, according to new figures released today by UCU.

Protests at Sandwell College in jobs loss row

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:37:34 GMT

Staff and students from Sandwell College will join forces tomorrow for a lunchtime protest organised by members of UCU against job losses and course closures.

Campaign update: 2 July 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:07:07 GMT

UCU ends dispute with City College Birmingham

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:47:56 GMT

Members of UCU at City College Birmingham have ended their dispute at the college.

Independent university fees review chief, Lord Browne, should resign after becoming government's lead nonexecutive director

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:19:10 GMT

UCU today said Lord Browne should resign from the review into the future of university funding if the process was to have legitimacy. It was announced today that Lord Browne is to become the government's lead nonexecutive director.

UCU warns Sandwell College over swingeing job cuts

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:57:54 GMT

UCU today warned Sandwell College that it could face industrial action if it goes ahead with controversial plans for swingeing job cuts. Staff have been informed that 93 posts will be axed as the college looks to make redundancies for the fifth year in a row.

Education key if government's plans to cut reoffending are to have any chance of success

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:42:52 GMT

Prisoners without access to education are three times more likely to reoffend " Over half of crime in this country is committed by people who have been to prison

Staff strike at Manchester College in row over contracts

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:45:27 GMT

Members of UCU at Manchester College will be on strike tomorrow in a row over terms and conditions.

Staffordshire University withdraws threat over pay

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:05:46 GMT

UCU today welcomed the announcement by Staffordshire University that it will cancel plans to withdraw the university out of national pay bargaining.

Five questions employers must answer in university pensions row

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:07:58 GMT

The row over university pensions looks set to intensify after UCU today demanded the employers come straight on five key questions raised by its members regarding proposals to introduce different levels of pension benefits within the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), the second largest private pension scheme in the UK.

Another universities uturn as Vince Cable announces cuts to funding for students

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:25:02 GMT

UCU today said the removal of funding for student places at university was exactly the wrong move for the country at exactly the wrong time.

Campaign update: 25 June 2010

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:43:18 GMT

Fear for students' graduations at University of Westminster as industrial action starts to bite

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 09:53:08 GMT

There are fears that students at the University of Westminster will not graduate this summer because of marks being held back by lecturers in a row over job losses.

Strike on at Manchester College

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:45:52 GMT

UCU calls for urgent talks to avoid widespread disruption

Glasgow University rules out compulsory redundancies after protest

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:26:47 GMT

UCU has welcomed the announcement that Glasgow University has ruled out compulsory redundancies.

Staff protest at Staffordshire University in row over pay

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:05:53 GMT

Staff at Staffordshire University will hold protests at 5.45pm tomorrow outside the vicechancellor's office on Blackheath Lane, in a row over pay.

Budget's billion pound tax giveaways make mockery of 'we are all in this together' claim, says UCU

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:11:49 GMT

UCU today said the news that Corporation Tax is to be slashed from 28% to 24% made a mockery of the coalition government's claims that 'we are all in this together'.

Report reveals rise in fees will hit university applications

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:32:45 GMT

UCU today said a report from the Sutton Trust, that shows an increase in university fees would hit applications to university, could not be ignored by the Browne Review into the future of higher education funding.

Strike suspended at Bradford College

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:44:45 GMT

Staff and students to hold lunchtime rally against government cuts

Staff strike at City College Birmingham

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:16:16 GMT

Protestors to march through Birmingham city centre as part national day of action against education cuts

Staff protest at University of Sheffield in row over 'twotier' contracts

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:05:55 GMT

Staff and students at the University of Sheffield will hold lunchtime protests on Monday 21 June in a row over controversial new contracts.

Strike off as agreement is reached at Wolverhampton College

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:15:09 GMT

Staff and students to hold lunchtime rally against government cuts

Campaign update: 18 June 2010

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:24:23 GMT

Staff and students join for national day of action against education funding cuts

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:56:19 GMT

Demonstrations to be held in over 70 colleges and universities across the UK

Strike action suspended at University of Sussex

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:17:55 GMT

UCU announced today that strike action at the University of Sussex, planned for Friday (19 June), has been suspended.

University of Glasgow job cuts

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:36:30 GMT

The University of Glasgow proposed to cut as many as 80 jobs including academic and related staff.

Staff protest at Manchester Metropolitan University over plans for 'education on the cheap'

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 13:23:03 GMT

Staff and students at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) will lobby the university's academic board on Wednesday June 16 against plans to deliver 'education on the cheap'.

UCU Ballot opens at Glasgow University

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:41:12 GMT

Glasgow University looks sets to be hit with strike action later this month in a row over job cuts. Members of the UCU at the university are being balloted after management refused to rule out making compulsory redundancies.

Education funding cuts will betray a generation of learners warns UCU

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:26:31 GMT

200,000 students set to be rejected as cuts bite, survey reveals

Staff at Manchester College vote for strike action in twotier workforce row

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:02:50 GMT

Staff at Manchester College have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in a row over worsening terms and conditions.

UCU ends dispute with Institute of Education

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 15:59:09 GMT

UCU announced today that it has ended its dispute with the Institute of Education (IoE) after the university withdrew its threat of compulsory redundancies.

Colleges and universities are failing to deal with bullying, warns report

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:55:57 GMT

UCU today called for greater efforts from colleges and universities to tackle workplace bullying.

Campaign update: 11 June 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:45:42 GMT

UCU suspends industrial action at King's College

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:42:12 GMT

UCU announced today that it is suspending industrial action against King's College London, after the university agreed to a fourmonth review of consultation processes that have seen up to 200 jobs put at risk.

UCU announces strike dates at the University of Sussex

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:17:18 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Sussex today announced that they will be taking strike action on Friday 18 June and Monday 21 June.

Staff vote to strike at two of West Midlands biggest colleges

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:16:37 GMT

Staff at two of the West Midlands biggest colleges have today voted in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fight to save jobs.

Staff protest at Staffordshire University in row over pay bargaining

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 10:36:35 GMT

Staff at Staffordshire University will hold a lobby at 6pm today outside the vicechancellor's office on Blackheath Lane, against worsening terms and conditions bargaining.

Raising tuition fees could lead to 'educational segregation', warns UCU

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:08:20 GMT

UCU today said that raising the cap on tuition fees would 'price the majority out of university' and be seen as an act of 'ultimate betrayal' by Liberal Democrat voters.

Writtle College management given vote of 'no confidence' by staff

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 13:24:49 GMT

Staff at Writtle College today delivered an overwhelming vote of 'no confidence' in the college's management.

Campaign update: 4 June 2010

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:56:20 GMT

Education cuts will 'leave behind a generation of learners' warns UCU

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:37:29 GMT

UCU welcomes business secretary's comments on importance of adult learning but says that cuts to colleges and universities will do lasting damage

UCU Congress warn skills gap will hamper low carbon economy and cost Britain jobs and contracts

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:37:54 GMT

Delegates at the UCU annual Congress in Manchester today called on the new coalition government to close the environmental skills gap in the UK or risk shattering any chance of a low carbon economy.

UCU delivers stinging rebuke to points based immigration

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:38:58 GMT

UCU today called for an end to the government's points based immigration system (PBI). Members at UCU's annual conference in Manchester said the current rules were forcing staff to spy on students and were discriminatory against learners from nonEU countries.

UCU Congress backs industrial action at Glasgow University

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:40:44 GMT

UCU has backed an industrial action ballot at Glasgow University. Members at UCU's annual congress in Manchester said the University was forcing the UCU to ballot members by refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies.

Government promoting ignorance over education, UCU leader will say

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 10:57:14 GMT

The general secretary of UCU will today tell delegates at the union's annual Congress that the new coalition's appetite for a policy of ignorance over education risks betraying an entire generation and preserving education for the wealthy.

Manchester College accused of bringing 'embarrassment to city'

Mon, 31 May 2010 13:35:17 GMT

UCU says planned cuts and contract changes will affect thousands

UCU consultation delivers record vote against 'twotier' pension plans

Mon, 31 May 2010 10:02:17 GMT

Union tells employers: 'let's clear our diaries and talk today to secure future'

UCU delegates back international solidarity and fund for Haiti

Sun, 30 May 2010 16:43:09 GMT

Delegates at the UCU Congress this afternoon reaffirmed their commitment to helping international colleagues denied the freedoms they enjoy.

UCU says twoyear degrees would lead to 'education on the cheap'

Sun, 30 May 2010 11:30:54 GMT

UCU today warned that plans for twoyear 'fasttrack' degrees would damage the reputation of UK degrees and would lead to 'education being delivered on the cheap'.

UCU warns that education cuts will create 'lost generation' of young people

Sun, 30 May 2010 09:26:51 GMT

UCU today warned that planned cuts to further and higher education could create a 'lost generation' of young people.

Strike action votes at three of West Midlands biggest colleges

Fri, 28 May 2010 11:06:24 GMT

Staff at three of the West Midlands largest further education colleges will be balloted for industrial action from today.

Campaign update: 28 May 2010

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:45:11 GMT

Staff to hold balloon protest against cuts at City College Birmingham

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:38:13 GMT

Staff at City College Birmingham will hold a special demonstration on Friday against course closures and job losses.

UCU backs government calls on vicechancellors' pay

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:51:18 GMT

UCU welcomes business secretary's comment on university bosses' pay but warns government that universities are already doing 'more for less'

Strike action at University of Arts London in job cut row

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:34:50 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Arts London (UAL) will be on strike tomorrow as part of their fight to save jobs and courses.

Unions welcome move to end college incorporation

Fri, 28 May 2010 11:03:03 GMT

Speaking from the Wales TUC Annual Congress in Llandudno, education trade unions in Wales have today jointly welcomed an Assembly Government announcement to overhaul the structure of further education colleges in Wales.

University of Sussex faces ignominy of being shunned by academic community

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:29:37 GMT

The University of Sussex faces the possibility of becoming only the second university to be subjected to an academic boycott by UCU in a row over job cuts.

The Manchester College staff ballot for strike action in twotier workforce row

Mon, 24 May 2010 15:15:15 GMT

On 26 May members of UCU at The Manchester College (TMC) are to be balloted for strike action in a row over worsening terms and conditions.

Government university cuts a restriction of opportunity

Mon, 24 May 2010 10:40:38 GMT

UCU today said the government should stop pretending that 'we're all in this together' as it dashed the hopes of thousands of people by halving the number of additional student places at universities this year.

Campaign update: 21 May 2010

Fri, 21 May 2010 14:02:29 GMT

Fight for jobs in West Midlands intensifies

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:46:46 GMT

Lecturers and academic staff from across the West Midlands will attend a special public meeting at the Birmingham and Midland Institute* on Tuesday (25 May) the same day that ballots for industrial action begin at four of largest colleges in the region.

Tory corporation tax reduction proves we are not in this together, UCU to tell Browne review into university funding

Thu, 20 May 2010 10:12:19 GMT

UCU today will tell members of the Browne Review into higher education funding that Tory plans to bring UK corporation tax down to the lowest in the group of G20 countries were not only a missed opportunity to bring in muchneeded funds for higher education, but also proof that their talk of the country being 'in it together' was hollow.

Glasgow UCU backs action over redundancies

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:39:47 GMT

Industrial action at Glasgow University looks increasingly likely this afternoon after members of the UCU packed an emergency meeting and overwhelmingly backed calls for an industrial action ballot if the university did not immediately withdraw the threat of compulsory redundancies.

Defending education, jobs and pensions central themes of UCU Congress 2010

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:54:24 GMT

Defending education, jobs and pensions will be the key themes of this year's annual Congress of UCU. How to react to swingeing cuts planned for universities and colleges and a new coalition government are likely to dominate the threeday conference.

TUC conference backs fight to save Deaf Studies degree at Bristol University

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:47:44 GMT

Delegates at the Trade Unions Congress (TUC) disability conference in London today unanimously backed calls from UCU to campaign to save a degree programme in Deaf Studies at the University of Bristol.

UCU responds to widening participation at selective universities report

Tue, 18 May 2010 14:57:55 GMT

UCU today said that a report looking at access to highly selective universities was a timely reminder that the current debate must not just be about how cost impacts on access to university.

UAL joins list of London universities voting for strike action

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:48:24 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Arts London (UAL), have today voted in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fight to save jobs and courses.

Fees increase will put university 'out of reach for majority', warns UCU

Mon, 17 May 2010 11:48:44 GMT

UCU today warned that lifting the cap on tuition fees would be 'the most regressive piece of education policy since the war'.

UCU responds to Russell Group education funding report

Fri, 14 May 2010 09:32:02 GMT

UCU today said a report from the Russell Group correctly identified the need for proper funding for universities. However, the union called for more imaginative ways to raise the necessary funds.

Strike action votes at four of West Midlands' biggest colleges

Thu, 13 May 2010 13:51:41 GMT

UCU today announced that members at four of the largest colleges in the West Midlands have voted overwhelmingly in favour to ballot for strike action if the threat of compulsory redundancies is not removed.

Strike action off and dispute over at University College London

Thu, 20 May 2010 11:49:08 GMT

UCU announced today that strike action planned for Tuesday 18 May at University College London (UCL) is off. At a general meeting this afternoon, UCU members voted to cancel the action and the union's dispute with the university is now over.

UCU comment on David Willetts' appointment

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:09:24 GMT

The UCU today welcomed David Willetts' appointment as minister for universities and science and said he faced great challenges in his new role.

Public expects Lib Dems to deliver on university fees promises, warns UCU

Thu, 13 May 2010 09:09:45 GMT

Commenting on the new government, the general secretary of UCU, Sally Hunt, said: 'The inconclusive election did not provide a mandate for punitive cuts in our vital public services. The new government has a unique opportunity to build a national consensus that puts education at the heart of our recovery. Education has the power to change people's lives and slashing funding at a time when more people than ever need access to education is just wrong.

Lecturers to be balloted in twotier pensions row

Mon, 10 May 2010 15:22:24 GMT

Members of UCU who pay into the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension will be asked to vote in a consultative ballot on proposed changes to the scheme.

Under fire RichmonduponThames College to announce job losses details

Thu, 06 May 2010 15:16:51 GMT

Members of UCU at RichmonduponThames College will tomorrow find out if their jobs are in danger. The college is expected to unveil controversial plans for redundancies and severe cutbacks across the college.

Staff to protest against job cuts at Croydon College

Wed, 05 May 2010 08:08:40 GMT

Staff and students at Croydon College will join forces for a lunchtime rally today against course closures and job losses at the college.

North East colleges to stage lunchtime protests

Wed, 05 May 2010 08:04:25 GMT

Members of UCU at colleges across the North East will be supporting colleagues on strike in London today.

Strike at University of Sussex and march through Brighton in protest at education cuts

Tue, 04 May 2010 12:55:31 GMT

Members of UCU will be joined by students from Brighton's two universities in a march through the city centre to protest at education cuts tomorrow. UCU members at the University of Sussex will also be out on strike tomorrow in their fight to save over 100 jobs.

London education strikes and demonstration on 5 May

Mon, 31 May 2010 13:00:31 GMT

Colleges and universities in London will be hit with the most widespread disruption for over two years tomorrow. Members of UCU are taking industrial action at 11 further education colleges and two universities* over massive funding cuts.

Birmingham colleges warned of strike action over cuts

Tue, 04 May 2010 10:27:42 GMT

Four of Birmingham's largest further education colleges were today warned that they could face strike action if they use government funding cuts as an excuse to get rid of staff and slash courses.

Manchester College bosses slammed over huge pay rise as staff face the axe

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:45:22 GMT

UCU today slammed Manchester College after it was revealed that it is paying its top earner almost £200,000. Figures seen by UCU show that the top earner in 2008 was earning between £170,000 and £180,000. A year later the top earner was on £193,970.

Staff at Bradford College vote to go on strike

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:14:46 GMT

Members of UCU at Bradford College have today voted in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fights to save jobs.

Plumber students to join staff on picket lines at Hackney Community College

Mon, 31 May 2010 13:01:00 GMT

Staff will be joined by students dressed as plumbers on picket lines outside Hackney Community College on 5 May in protest at the college's decision to close over twothirds of its oversubscribed plumbing department.

Lecturers union fears end of an era at Coleg Harlech

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:41:40 GMT

UCU has today warned of the end of an era at Coleg Harlech after the decision by the assembly government to back the recommendations of a controversial report.

Protests at Dundee University ahead of job axe vote

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:44:02 GMT

Members of UCU will protest at Dundee University on 26 April in a row over job cuts.

London to be hit by strikes at universities and colleges on 5 May

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:40:07 GMT

Education in London could be hit with widespread disruption on Wednesday 5 May as members of UCU take industrial action over massive funding cuts that are threatening jobs across the capital.

University of Sussex to be hit by second round of strikes

Tue, 04 May 2010 13:19:29 GMT

UCU today warned the University of Sussex that it will face a second round of strike action on Wednesday 5 May if it pushes ahead with controversial plans for over 100 compulsory redundancies.

Protests at Southgate College in jobs fight

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 10:05:03 GMT

Members of UCU at Southgate College will be demonstrating at a lunchtime protest on Tuesday 27 April against plans to axe 60 jobs. The 1pm event has been organised after shocked staff were hit with the news of job losses as they broke up for the Easter holidays.

Bristol protests against education cuts

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 08:56:36 GMT

Teachers and students will march through Bristol tomorrow, 24 April, in protest against course closures and job cuts at the Beacon Centre.

College heads' pay rockets by 56% in eight years

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:36:42 GMT

Principals' pay increased seven times more than lecturers in last year alone

Northumberland College strike brings college to a standstill

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:50:30 GMT

Members of UCU at Northumberland College today brought the college to a standstill. Classes were cancelled as staff walked out in a row over job losses, pay cuts and increased working hours.

Another jobs blow for Redcar

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:49:02 GMT

Redcar and Cleveland College has announced that up to 50 jobs could go at the college. More than one in five jobs at the college are at risk and no department is safe from the spectre of redundancy. The first people through the door could be leaving as early as the end of May.

Lancaster University forced to pay sacked staff after legal fight

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 15:06:48 GMT

Lancaster University must pay former members of staff 60 days' salary after UCU won a legal battle over the institution's failure to properly consult about the dismissals.

Capital university crisis as staff at University of Westminster and UCL join list of London universities voting for strike action

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:30:46 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Westminster and University College London (UCL), have today voted in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fights to save jobs.

UCU launches first ever survival guide for new staff in further and higher education

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:20:17 GMT

UCU today launched the first ever survival guide for staff entering higher and further education. The Early Careers Guide is being published after a UCU survey of new staff found that many were not receiving the support and information they needed from employers.

No progress in national talks between unions and university employers

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:50:24 GMT

The higher education unions UCU, EIS, GMB, UNISON and Unite have today issued the following joint statement:

Universities at risk of 'financial meltdown', warns UCU

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:40:55 GMT

UCU today warned that government funding cuts to higher education could lead to universities facing 'financial meltdown' after the BBC revealed that the University of Cumbria came close to not paying its staff wages last month.

Plymouth protests against education cuts

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:29:49 GMT

Teachers and students from across Plymouth will join forces for a rally on Wednesday 21 April against job losses and funding cuts in colleges and universities.

Strike on at Northumberland College as union exposes college's doublestandards over pay

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:59:37 GMT

College is spending below average on staff salaries, but senior management pay has rocketed.

Controversy and anger over changes to student data in year of funding review

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:38:48 GMT

UCU says fall in dropout rates and rise in applications exposes folly of university funding cuts

New figures reveal that, despite huge pay rises for vicechancellors, universities are actually spending less on staff

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 09:52:11 GMT

The percentage of total expenditure spent on staff in UK universities has dropped to an alltime low, according to new figures released today.

Protests at Glasgow University with over 80 jobs at risk

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 10:46:51 GMT

Members of the UCU will protest at Glasgow University on Wednesday (14 April) in a row over job cuts.

Cameron's comments on Today Programme expose Tory confusion over university fees

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 09:15:25 GMT

Leader's revelation that fees are here to stay puts him at odds with Tory policy

Candidates for Stirling to be quizzed on higher education policy

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:14:00 GMT

Prospective parliamentary candidates for the Stirling general election seat will take part in a hustings with voters on Wednesday 14 April where they will be quizzed on their plans for higher education.

Defend education in face of cuts UCU presidentelect will tell NUT conference

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:44:01 GMT

Alan Whitaker, presidentelect of UCU, will tell delegates at the National Union of Teachers (NUT) conference that Britain's teachers and lecturers have to make the case for education in the face of punitive funding cuts.

UCU calls for 'one stop' advice centres for unemployed youngsters

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:32:03 GMT

UCU today welcomed a report from the Children, Schools and Families select committee, which called for more targeted support for young people.

Northumberland College staff vote for strike action in jobs row

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:25:00 GMT

Members of UCU at Northumberland College have voted overwhelmingly in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fight to save jobs.

Vicechancellors' pay an embarrassment for universities, says UCU

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:50:00 GMT

Despite predictions of pay restraint, a new report reveals universities spent 11% more on vicechancellors than previous year.

UCU comment on new university entrance figures

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 08:51:11 GMT

UCU said today that that the university experience for those fortunate enough to gain a place could be ruined by record class sizes if planned government cuts for the higher education sector went ahead.

Students back staff strike action at King's

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:14:21 GMT

Members of UCU at King's College London yesterday received a welcome boost from their students who have written to the College's principal, Rick Trainor, outlining reasons why they support the union's strike action today.

Northumberland College sets out job loss plans

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:08:54 GMT

Northumberland College has today (Friday) confirmed that it will be making 67 academic staff redundant and massively increasing the working hours of those who remain, resulting in a pay cut for all lecturing staff of up to £10,000.

Staff to strike at Nelson and Colne College in pay row

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:09:09 GMT

Nelson and Colne College will be brought to a standstill on Monday (29 March) in a row over its failure to honour a pay deal agreed six years ago.

Government urged to review universities at UCU Scotland conference

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 10:15:02 GMT

The future of universities' role in Scotland, academic freedom, Facebook, student feedback and job losses are all on the agenda at the UCU Scotland Congress.

UCU slams Birmingham Metropolitan College over job cuts

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:44:59 GMT

Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMC) has announced plans to axe 100 jobs. UCU, which represents lecturers at the college, today accused the college of breaking promises and using government funding cuts as a smokescreen for getting rid of staff.

Funding limbo leads to cuts for all Scottish universities

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 08:08:11 GMT

All Scottish universities will see a real terms reduction in their funding for the next academic year (2010/11), according to new funding allocations released today (Thursday) by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

UCU budget comment

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:46:45 GMT

UCU today welcomed announcements in the budget of extra student places in universities and colleges. However, it said high quality education could not be delivered with fewer staff and bigger class sizes.

University of Reading slammed over science cuts

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:32:53 GMT

UCU today slammed the decision by the University of Reading to push ahead with swingeing cuts to science.

Penrith march to save Newton Rigg campus

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:21:42 GMT

Staff and students at the University of Cumbria will join forces tomorrow in a march from the Cornmarket in Penrith to Newton Rigg as part of their campaign to save the historic campus.

Strike and rally off at University of Kent as threat of compulsory job losses removed

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:32:30 GMT

UCU today confirmed that it had cancelled a ballot for industrial action at the University of Kent.

Strike date set at King's College for 30 March

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:10:52 GMT

Members of UCU at King's College London have today announced that they will be out on strike next week on Tuesday 30 March in response to the university's refusal to remove the threat of compulsory redundancies.

Protest at University of Southampton over course closure and job cuts

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:22:52 GMT

Staff and students at the University of Southampton will join forces on 25 March to protest against plans to axe sports studies.

Lecturers to warn assembly members of 'dangerous' childcare plans

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:10:46 GMT

Childcare lecturers from further education colleges in Wales will today warn assembly members that planned changes to childcare qualifications are dangerous and could lead to a repeat of cases similar to that at the Little Ted's nursery in Plymouth.

UCU welcomes select committee's report on science funding

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:04:28 GMT

UCU today welcomed a report from the science and technology select committee on the impact of spending cuts on science and scientific research.

UCU members at King's College vote for strike action

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:00:19 GMT

Members of UCU at King's College London have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of both strike action and action short of a strike in their fight to save jobs.

College cuts will mean 7,000 job losses and 130,000 students missing out

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:54:44 GMT

UCU said today that the prime minister had to make good his promise not to allow education to become a victim of the recession or thousands of people would miss out on the chance of improving their lives through college education.

UCU members to deliver job cuts warning to Downing Street

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:02:42 GMT

Members of UCU from the London region will march through the capital tomorrow (Saturday) in protest against funding cuts for further, higher and adult education.

Overreliance on private enterprise threatens standards in universities, warns UCU

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:16:11 GMT

UCU today warned that plans from both the Labour and Conservative parties for an 'Americanisation of UK higher education' would lead to greater financial instability and grade inflation.

University funding cuts will lead to disappointment for students and drop in quality, warns UCU

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:00:27 GMT

UCU said today that a reduction in funding for English universities would leave thousands of students without a university place and lead to an inevitable drop in the quality of university education.

Protest and strike action ballot at Northumberland College in job cuts row

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:24:42 GMT

Members of UCU will be demonstrating outside Northumberland College in Ashington at 12.30 tomorrow lunchtime. The union is also balloting its members for strike action in protest at the college's plans to sack all teaching staff and reemploy some of them on lower pay and with longer hours.

UCU criticises university's decision to move meeting to building by road after learning of nursery kids' protest

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:58:26 GMT

The University of Sussex has moved this afternoon's senate meeting at the last minute to the Chowen lecture theatre in the Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Children from the University of Sussex's nursery and crèche were due to hand out daffodils and protest leaflets to members of the institution's senate ahead of their 1.30pm meeting originally at Bramber House in the middle of campus.

Nursery kids to protest against University of Sussex job cuts and nursery closure

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:05:08 GMT

Children from the University of Sussex's nursery and crèche will tomorrow hand out daffodils and protest leaflets to members of the institution's senate ahead of their 1.30pm meeting.

UCU says bosses' pay increases are source of ridicule for universities

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:01:36 GMT

UCU today said that the handsome rewards enjoyed by vicechancellors were in stark contrast to the pay rises their staff had to fight for and are a source of ridicule for the higher education sector.

Northumberland lecturer wins UCU presidency

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:54:09 GMT

A lecturer from Northumberland College has been elected national president of UCU. Kathy Taylor won the election that will see her serve as vicepresident for two years before becoming national president of the union in 2012.

UCU Scotland welcomes delay in higher education funding changes

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:41:14 GMT

UCU Scotland has today welcomed the Scottish Funding Council's, SFC, decision to delay changes to the way it funds teaching in Scottish universities. The union had raised concerns that the proposals were based on patchy data and dubious analysis, which would have seen some of the newer universities losing out.

King's College protest over £20m acquisition of East Wing of Somerset House as jobs axed

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:27:55 GMT

Members of UCU are leading protests at Somerset House tomorrow (Saturday) from 11.30am. The protestors will be demonstrating as King's shows off the East Wing of Somerset House at an alumni event.

UCU accuses University of Reading of taking wrecking ball to the sciences

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:55:20 GMT

UCU today accused the University of Reading of 'taking a wrecking ball to the sciences' after it announced plans for swingeing job cuts.

UCU welcomes departure of Bournemouth University chief

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:52:46 GMT

Members of UCU at Bournemouth University have welcomed the news that vicechancellor Professor Paul Curran is to leave the university.

Date set for UCU Scotland Congress

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:45:53 GMT

The annual UCU Scotland Congress will be held in Aberdeen this year on Friday 26 March 2010 starting at 10am.

Staff at University of Leeds call for strikes if no progress in talks

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:59:35 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Leeds have today announced that unless there is real progress towards reaching agreement in the next week they will be taking strike action on Thursday 18 March.

UCU member wins national writing competition

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:38:50 GMT

Esti MardianiEuers, a UCU member from Lancaster, was celebrated this week as part of World Book Day. Esti was one of the winners of a TUC writing competition that won a special tribute from the Prime Minister's wife, Sarah Brown, at a reception at Downing Street.

Prisoner rehabilitation a 'pipe dream', says UCU, as main prison education provider axes hundreds of jobs

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:11:50 GMT

UCU today warned that rehabilitation of prisoners would remain a pipe dream as hundreds of prison educators faced the sack.

Northumberland College told to come clean on job loss plans

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:08:40 GMT

UCU today told Northumberland College to come clean over plans to sack staff. The union was responding to a letter from the college that warned of redundancies, but failed to give any indication of the number of jobs at risk, and warned ominously that 'more radical measures are likely to be required.'

Strike date set at University of Sussex

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:29:30 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Sussex have today announced that they will be out on strike on Thursday 18 March.

Funding cuts putting UK research reputation at risk as other countries invest more, warns report

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:09:12 GMT

UCU today backed a report's calls for more investment in research and development.

Report calling for fewer graduates and higher fees is out of touch, says UCU

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:13:45 GMT

UCU said today that a report calling for fewer graduates and higher university fees was out of touch.

University of Sussex cancels job cuts meeting

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:11:36 GMT

The University of Sussex postponed a meeting of its Senate at the eleventh hour following a record turnout by members of UCU in a clear vote for industrial action at the institution.

UCU members to march through Glasgow in anticuts demo

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:31:19 GMT

Members of the UCU Scotland are tomorrow (Saturday 6 March) marching against savage public funding cuts. The union will be joining members of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) for their march and rally against cuts in education in Scotland.

UCU welcomes review of university governance

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:28:32 GMT

UCU Cymru has today welcomed the announcement by education minister Leighton Andrews of a review into the governance of Welsh universities.

Record turnout in vote for strike action at University of Sussex

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:12:07 GMT

Second record vote suggests widespread university disruption this year

Staff and students hold lunchtime rally against cuts at University of Leeds

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:32:28 GMT

Staff and students at the University of Leeds will hold a rally on Thursday 4 March against proposed cuts at the university.

Scrap fees and fund university through business tax, says new report

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:09:08 GMT

A report released today by UCU recommends raising the level of corporation tax in the UK to the G7 countries' average to raise enough money to abolish all university tuition fees.

Daily Mail wrong on university pay, says UCU

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:23:19 GMT

Responding to claims in Saturday's (27 February) Daily Mail of a 'pay boom' in higher education UCU today accused the paper of painting a false picture of the sector.

Working your proper hours at North Lindsey College

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:46:05 GMT

Dozens of members and nonmembers at North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe, dropped in to pick up a Timeout chocolate bar and a UCU mug and other promotional materials as part of a campaign to draw attention to the long hours culture familiar to many in further education.

King's College strike action ballot in row over job cuts

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:46:04 GMT

UCU today announced that it is balloting members at King's College London for strike action in a row over job cuts. Currently 205 posts at the university are at risk and several departments have been threatened with closure.

Teaching professionals most likely to clock up unpaid overtime

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:33:50 GMT

Teaching professionals are the group most likely to clock up unpaid overtime, according to new figures released today. UCU said it was unsurprised that teaching professionals topped the list, but warned the situation was likely to get worse for staff in both universities and colleges with swingeing cuts and widespread job losses on the cards.

Government likely to miss target on young people in education, employment or training, warns union

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:41:52 GMT

UCU today welcomed the news that there had been a reduction in the proportion of young people not working or in education or training. However, the union warned that recent history suggests the numbers are likely to rise from the next quarter and that the government is very unlikely to meet its own target in reducing the number of people not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

Court of Appeal victory for professor in remarked exam papers row

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:08:18 GMT

UCU has hailed a victory in the Court of Appeal for former Bournemouth University professor, Dr Paul Buckland, as an important victory for everyone who values high standards and probity in education.

UCU responds to HEFCE future of higher education report

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:36:12 GMT

UCU today said the challenges facing the higher education sector could not be solved with buzzwords and jargon.

Strike action suspended at University of Leeds after groundbreaking talks

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:27:47 GMT

UCU announced today that strike action at the University of Leeds, planned for tomorrow, has been suspended. The strike was supposed to be the first day of action in a rolling programme of industrial unrest.

Responding to new student advice website launch

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:05:27 GMT

Students need more than raw statistics, says UCU

Unqualified youngsters four times more likely to be unemployed than students with an A level

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:47:13 GMT

UCU releases details of regions' 'qualification deserts'

Northern Ireland fee rise rejection starts proper debate on university funding, says UCU

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:31:54 GMT

UCU today welcomed the news from Northern Ireland that there won't be an increase in university tuition fees.

Colleges and universities must come clean on senior staff pay rises, says UCU

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:54:02 GMT

UCU today said that colleges and universities needed to be upfront about why so many more members of senior staff were now earning high salaries.

Young people without work or education to grill politicians facetoface at Westminster event

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:40:01 GMT

Young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) will quiz politicians on Wednesday 24 February about their policies for education.

UCU threatens legal action to halt Aberystwyth University job cut plans

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:08:15 GMT

UCU has today called on members of the Aberystwyth University Council to halt controversial plans to make more than 100 members of staff at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) redundant.

Lord Mandelson asks University of Leeds to put plans for job cuts on hold

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:58:55 GMT

The University of Leeds has been asked by the Visitor* of the university (Lord Mandelson in his capacity as Lord President of the Council) to put its cost cutting plans on hold while he investigates a formal challenge that accuses the university of breaking key rules on how it is regulated.

UCU says Mandelson needs to listen to academics, not insult them

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:07:17 GMT

UCU today said Lord Mandelson would be better off engaging with academics instead of insulting them.

Higher student fees is lazy funding option, says union

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:10:21 GMT

UCU said today that forcing students to pick up the bill for higher education was an astonishingly weak, but somewhat predictable conclusion from the Policy Exchange.

Strike dates confirmed at University of Leeds

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:04:39 GMT

Strike action at the University of Leeds has been confirmed today by UCU.

Unions warn strike action could be on the cards at University of Westminster in jobs row

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:08:24 GMT

Trade unions representing staff at the University of Westminster have accused the institution of plucking figures from the air to try and justify a round of 'punishing and unnecessary' job cuts.

UCU Scotland dismayed at cuts in student teacher numbers

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:11:52 GMT

UCU Scotland criticised the Scottish government for slashing the numbers of new student teachers by over 1,500 (40%) this year. The union said the move would compromise the sustainability of teacher education departments.

UCU Scotland response to surge in university applications

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:11:20 GMT

UCU Scotland states that students would have their dreams of a university education shattered as an unprecedented increase in applications leads to a fight for places.

UCU response to record university applications

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:13:29 GMT

UCU said today that thousands of students would have their dreams of a university education shattered by government funding cuts.

15,000 jobs to go if university cuts go ahead

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:14:50 GMT

UCU today warned that 15,000 jobs were at risk across higher education if punitive government funding cuts went ahead.

Teacher Education motion

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:31:22 GMT

On Wednesday 27 January 2010 a motion criticising teacher education budget cuts was submitted in the Scottish Parliament

Union slams University of Cumbria over Ambleside campus closure

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:21:55 GMT

UCU today slammed the University of Cumbria's decision to close its Ambleside campus.

Tensions build as talks break down at University of Leeds

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:18:09 GMT

Strike action moved a step closer at the University of Leeds today as talks between UCU and the university broke down.

Record turnout in vote for strike action at University of Leeds

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:35:39 GMT

Union calls for urgent talks to safeguard jobs and win back staff trust

Adult learning cuts will put hundreds of courses at risk warns UCU

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:22:05 GMT

UCU has called on the government to abandon plans for adult learning cuts after college leaders warned that hundreds of courses may face the axe

Formal challenge that University of Leeds broke its own rules in job cuts row

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:47:58 GMT

The University of Leeds has been hit with a formal challenge that accuses the institution of breaking key rules on how the university is regulated.

UCU warns funding cuts will shatter dreams of generation told to apply to university

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:45:40 GMT

UCU today said planned cuts for higher education exposed the failings of the government's confused university funding policies.

UCU responds to Institute for Employment Studies student fees report

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:34:02 GMT

UCU today said it did not believe offering potential students hypothetical graduate premiums for different degrees was a helpful contribution to the debate on student funding.

Union votes to ballot for strike action in jobs row at University of Sussex

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:20:39 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Sussex have voted overwhelmingly to ballot for industrial action if the threat of compulsory job losses is not withdrawn. At an emergency meeting yesterday the union also unveiled its plans to resolve the current crisis over redundancies.

Just 4% of Britain's poorest go to university; we need action not complacency UCU tells ministers

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:58:43 GMT

UCU said today that the government needed to act decisively to improve the chances of the poorest people in the country attending university.

More misery for students as grant changes mean less cash to study

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:13:20 GMT

UCU today said that changes to the grant system had heaped more misery on students.

Protests at University of Gloucestershire as staff demand university comes clean on restructure plans

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:34:30 GMT

Staff and students at the University of Gloucestershire will lobby the university's council at the institution's Oxstalls campus from 8.30am on 27 January in a row over restructuring plans.

Education lobby of Scottish Parliament

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:37:57 GMT

UCU Scotland will hold a lobby outside the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday (27 January) as part of UCU's 'Defend jobs, defend education' campaign. The lobby will urge MSPs to oppose cuts particularly in the teacher education budget and will take place from 1pm.

David Lammy's contradictory message on university funding reveals full folly of government cuts

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:43:33 GMT

UCU today said the government's increasingly confused messages on higher education revealed the failings of its planned cuts for university funding.

UCU to launch education manifesto

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:27:09 GMT

UCU will launch its education manifesto on Tuesday (26 January) at a lobby event in Parliament to set out its key issues in all areas of post16 education.

Plans to axe 300 jobs by under fire Manchester College slammed by UCU

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:48:22 GMT

UCU today accused Manchester College of throwing the prison education sector into havoc. The college has announced plans for 250 job losses from its offender learning teams and a further 50 redundancies from other departments, described by the union as a hammer blow to staff and prisoners.

UCU questions Lord Mandelson's wisdom after he says funding cuts might help universities

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:59:53 GMT

UCU today questioned the wisdom of Lord Mandelson after he said that massive university cuts might be a blessing in disguise.

UCU says failings of government flagship training programme have hit most vulnerable the hardest

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:22:47 GMT

UCU said today that the failings of the government's flagship Train to Gain programme had hit the people who most desperately needed its help the hardest.

UCU warns that government cuts will mean record numbers of students missing out on university

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:10:31 GMT

UCU today said ambitious government plans to expand opportunity at university looked ridiculous next to swingeing cuts across the higher education sector.

Protests at University of Gloucestershire over job cull row

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:36:43 GMT

Protestors at the University of Gloucestershire will tomorrow call on the university to abandon plans for redundancies and course closures.

Union to take importance of education message to Stormont

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:39:52 GMT

UCU will tomorrow ask Northern Ireland's MLAs to give their backing to its Make Education Count campaign.

UCU welcomes legal decision for full hearing in Stirling University job cuts case

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:58:29 GMT

UCU welcomed the employment tribunal's decision to reject Stirling University's attempts to force a preliminary hearing in its case with UCU over job cuts. The employment tribunal judge in Glasgow has proceeded to a full merits hearing.

Tory teaching plans show incredible disregard for demands of the job

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:44:44 GMT

UCU today said the Conservative Party's selftitled 'brazenly elitist' policy of recruiting graduates into teaching showed absolutely no understanding of the real demands of the teacher sector or the skills required to do the job.

Government plans to improve social mobility are fantasy

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:11:20 GMT

UCU today said ambitious government plans to expand opportunity at university looked ridiculous next to swingeing cuts across the higher education sector.

Government in 'complete denial' over impact of university cuts, says UCU

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:32:36 GMT

UCU today accused the government of being in 'complete denial' over the impact of university funding cuts.

UCU welcomes Tory calls for suspension of research restrictions

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:28:12 GMT

UCU today welcomed the announcement by the Conservatives that they would suspend controversial new changes to the way university research is funded.

UCU calls on University of Leeds to halt 'devastating' cuts as strike ballot launches

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:16:14 GMT

The fight to save jobs at the University of Leeds will intensify this week as members of UCU are balloted for industrial action in defence against job cuts.

Higher education cuts will increase threat of university closures and put thousands of jobs at risk, warns UCU

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:41:51 GMT

UCU today called on the government to protect staff and students in higher education after warnings by university heads that up to 30 universities could be forced to close.

Third of professors would quit UK over research row, warns poll

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:40:09 GMT

The United Kingdom risks a brain drain of top professors if it pushes ahead with controversial changes to how university research is funded, warns a survey released today by UCU.

Crisis talks at the University of Leeds

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:20:17 GMT

The UCU branch of the University of Leeds will meet the arbitration service ACAS tomorrow to seek a resolution to the current row over job cuts.

HEFCE grant letter a Christmas kick in the teeth for staff and students

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:15:51 GMT

UCU today described further cuts in higher education as a 'Christmas kick in the teeth' for both staff and students.

UCU says resignations needed now to end uncertainty at London Met

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:54:03 GMT

Union questions logic of heavilycriticised and discredited board members remaining in post for months.

Giant Albert Einstein joins union protests in Parliament

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:33:49 GMT

A giant Albert Einstein was in Westminster today for a photo opportunity as part of protests by UCU against plans to change research funding.

London Met funding will be hit if governors refuse to go, warns report

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:47:11 GMT

London Metropolitan University will not receive urgentlyneeded cash to ease its financial woes if the board of governors does not resign, according to documents seen by UCU today.

Christmas deadline to resolve job cuts row or strike action at University of the Arts London

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:52:14 GMT

UCU today gave the University of the Arts London (UAL) a Christmas deadline to step back from making job cuts. The union said that the institution faced likely strike action in the new year if it pressed ahead with controversial plans to axe jobs and courses at its London College of Communication (LCC) site.

FE England pay ballot opens

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:46:59 GMT

The ballot of FE college members is now open on whether to take an escalating programme of strike action to achieve an improvement on the 1.5% increase offered on pay this year.

University funding changes must be stopped to preserve accuracy

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:13:59 GMT

UCU has warned that proposed changes to how teaching in Scottish universities is funded risked delivering inadequate and inaccurate levels of funding.

Student loans debacle a 'total fiasco' says UCU

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:22:20 GMT

UCU today said that Britain could not afford another repeat of this year's student loans fiasco.

David Lammy's national service plans are an insult to every student

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 18:16:30 GMT

UCU today said that plans to fund a national servicestyle civilian scheme, paid for by increasing student debt, were absolutely ludicrous.

Under fire Manchester College slammed for freezing pay of prison educators

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:57:43 GMT

UCU today slammed Manchester College for freezing the pay of its prison education staff.

Outrage at vicechancellor's 'disgraceful' method of announcing 200 job losses at University of Cumbria

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:17:37 GMT

The UCU at the University of Cumbria said that it was absolutely outrageous that vicechancellor, Peter McCaffrey, broke the news of 200 jobs going to students before informing the staff. In the run up to Christmas, many staff found out their job was at risk through the media.

UCU calls for national bursary scheme as report finds danger of greater inequality

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:10:04 GMT

UCU today called for a national bursary scheme for student financial support.

Academic community fights back in row over research restrictions

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:15:33 GMT

Nobel laureates and top academics back UCU campaign to defend research

Strike action on the cards at University of Sussex in row over job cuts

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:06:45 GMT

UCU today warned the University of Sussex that it could face strike action if it pressed ahead with controversial plans to axe more than 100 jobs.

UCU welcomes appointment of Scotland's new education secretary

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:16:47 GMT

UCU has welcomed the appointment of Michael Russell as Scotland's new Cabinet Secretary for Education. The appointment comes on the eve of UCU's Holyrood lobby as part of the 'Make Education Count' campaign, which the union said now took on extra significance as the first education event with the new education secretary in post.

UK drops into relegation zone of world education tables

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:07:13 GMT

The UK has dramatically slumped to the bottom of international education tables. In the past 12 years it has been overtaken by countries such as Portugal, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Korea, Ireland, Greece, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The news comes on the day UCU launches a crossparty group in Westminster to put UK education back on the map.

Northern Ireland bottom of UK tables for educational and employment success

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:53:47 GMT

UCU takes campaign to Stormont to put education back on the agenda and NI on the front foot

First ever guide launched for staff governors

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:59:53 GMT

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) will launch the first ever guide to the role of the staff governor at the annual Staff Governors' Conference organised by LSIS and trade unions UCU and Unison on 3 December.

Lecturers to protest at Glyndwr University

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:35:05 GMT

Members of UCU at Glyndwr University will stage demonstrations outside the university on Wednesday 2 December in protest at the dismissal of the union branch chair Hamish Murphy.

UCU launches new HIV guidance

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:09:17 GMT

UCU will mark World Aids Day tomorrow by launching a new guide for branches on how to support people living and working with HIV.

King's College slammed for silence over closure of engineering

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:26:32 GMT

UCU today accused King's College London of failing to communicate with staff and students over the planned closure of the university's Division of Engineering.

University of Bournemouth slammed over controversial job cuts

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:12:40 GMT

Fifteen posts to go as business school restructures for second time in two years

Staff and students lunchtime protest at University of Sussex

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:10:03 GMT

Students and staff at the University of Sussex today protested outside the library over proposals to axe 115 jobs. On Tuesday evening the university announced plans to make 'significant savings in targeted areas', which, in real terms, means 115 jobs are at risk.

UCU members pioneer new domestic violence policy at Aston University

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:40:20 GMT

New support for victims of domestic violence will be launched today at Aston University following work by members of the Aston branch of UCU.

Colleges need support if Ofsted reports are to remain positive says UCU

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:04:40 GMT

UCU today said that further education colleges should be congratulated for their work following a positive report from Ofsted.

Funding council's call for London Met heads to roll makes governors' positions untenable, says union

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:36:13 GMT

UCU today said that the position of many of the board of governors at London Metropolitan University had become untenable after the funding council wrote to the chair of the governors giving them six days to consider their positions.

London Met board of governors responsible for university shambles says damning report

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:50:54 GMT

UCU said today the positions of many of the board of governors at London Metropolitan University had become untenable after a damning report laid the blame for the current crisis at the university squarely at their door.

UK gambling with its reputation as other countries invest in education, warns UCU

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:53:36 GMT

UCU today said that the UK risked being left behind as other countries put education at the heart of their fiscal stimuli.

UCU calls on government to simplify funding for further education

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:03:23 GMT

UCU today called on the government to simplify the vast and varied qualifications and funding streams in further education.

UCU responds to appointment of new vicechancellor at London Met University

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:01:41 GMT

UCU has welcomed the appointment of Professor Malcolm Gillies as vicechancellor of London Metropolitan University (LMU)

UCU responds to news that universities are bailing out students as loans fiasco continues

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:56:29 GMT

UCU today said that students still waiting for loan money needed to speak to their university and students' union and avoid the loan sharks circling campuses.

University of Leeds protest over job cuts

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:42:08 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of Leeds will be leading protests outside a meeting of the university's council on 19 November in a row over job losses.

Government cash needed to save colleges as Alevels go at Brooklands College, warns UCU

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:25:33 GMT

UCU today called for intervention from the Treasury to resolve the building crisis in further education that claimed its first victim last week.

Lobby of Scottish Parliament

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:30:24 GMT

Save Teacher Training: Wednesday 27 January 2010

UCU responds to Imperial College rector's sudden resignation

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:48:43 GMT

UCU today said that the new rector at Imperial College had to look again at plans to make damaging cuts to the university's Faculty of Medicine and to develop policies that rebuild staff morale, which has been badly damaged over the last few months.

Protest at University of the Arts London over plans to axe jobs and courses

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:38:38 GMT

Protestors at the University of the Arts London (UAL) will today call on the university to abandon plans for course closures and redundancies at its London College of Communication (LCC) site.

Strike action on the cards at Preston College

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:18:13 GMT

Preston College looks increasingly likely that it will face disruptive strike action in the new year after UCU announced today that it will be balloting its members at the college for strike action in a row over job cuts.

University of Leeds set to have highest student to teacher ratios of leading universities

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:23:23 GMT

University's plans for cuts will see Leeds drop to bottom of the league table of leading UK institutions.

College lecturer compensated for deafness

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:26:18 GMT

A college lecturer has been left with permanent damage to his hearing after being exposed to excessive noise at work.

UCU warns Skills Strategy's positive messages will be lost in secret government job cut plans

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:12 GMT

UCU today said any positive news in today's Skills for Growth The National Skills Strategy, launched by Lord Mandelson, would be lost in the confusion over the government's plans for further education.

Strike threat at University of Leeds

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:50:30 GMT

The University of Leeds looks increasingly likely to be disrupted by strike action after UCU called an official dispute with the university and its members voted overwhelmingly to ballot for strike action.

Staff to strike at University of Westminster over four year pay deal row

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:39:54 GMT

Members of the UCU will be taking strike action at the University of Westminster on 13 November in a row over four years' pay.

Government secret plans to axe college staff during celebration of colleges week 'outrageous', says union

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:34:28 GMT

Secret government plans to axe staff in further education colleges to meet huge budget cuts would make a mockery of the government's muchvaunted commitment to education, said UCU today.

UCU response to university funding review announcement

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:32:18 GMT

UCU today said the fees review, announced this morning by Lord Mandelson, had to properly scrutinise every aspect of university funding and not just tuition fees

New poll reveals public oppose university fees increase

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:57:44 GMT

UCU today said the government had to listen to the general public as it prepares to launch a review into the future of higher education funding. On the eve of the review, a poll has revealed that the public overwhelmingly rejects any rise in tuition fees and said it needed to have full confidence that the review will be properly conducted.

Children and babies at risk from changes to childcare qualification

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:04:56 GMT

UCU Cymru has today called on Welsh Assembly ministers to urgently review the impact of radical changes to childcare qualifications amid fears that child protection and child development will be put at risk.

UCU responds to report showing universities' value to economy has increased

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:51:38 GMT

UCU said today that universities should be congratulated for the impressive, and largely unrecognised, work they do in generating wealth for the economy.

Stirling University facing legal action over job cuts

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:35:54 GMT

UCU has begun employment tribunal proceedings against the University of Stirling. The union says the university has 'flagrantly breached' employment law by failing to consult properly with trade unions over job losses. If the claim is successful each affected employee could receive a pay out equivalent to 90 days' pay.

UCU warns against reducing students to consumers in plans for university shake up

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:41:36 GMT

UCU today said it was deeply concerned by the language used by the government ahead of its unveiling of a new framework for higher education.

UCU responds to rise in university applicants

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:23:21 GMT

UCU today said that all political parties needed to clearly set out their plans for education funding, as new figures revealed that competition for university places was likely to be strong in the summer.

Political journalist of the year boycotts London Metropolitan University event in job cuts protest

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:33:34 GMT

The 2009 Woman Political Journalist of the year, Lesley Abdela, has cancelled an appearance at London Metropolitan University (London Met) in solidarity with the widespread and international concern over job cuts among teaching staff at the university.

UCU Scotland says call for university fees is out of touch

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:11:16 GMT

UCU today said that Sir Andrew Cubie's call for greater student contributions to the cost of university education was out of touch with the rest of the political consensus in Scotland.

Union strike ballot to open at Glyndwr University

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:26:51 GMT

Members of UCU at Glyndwr University are to be balloted on strike action in support of their branch chair, Hamish Murphy, who has been dismissed from his post for carrying out trade union activities.

Strike action on the cards as Swansea University pulls plug on 90year jobs agreement

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:31:57 GMT

Union says trust between university and staff has gone, with emergency meeting called for Wednesday to discuss action.

University of Bolton urged to explain job cuts plans

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 11:48:41 GMT

UCU today said the University of Bolton had 'jumped the gun' in announcing plans for job cuts.

League table plans dismissed by UCU

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:40:53 GMT

UCU today said that the idea to introduce league tables in universities and colleges probably sounded quite good at focus group level, but will receive short shrift from anyone actually involved in education.

Union calls on Swansea University to reject 'flawed' redundancy plans

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:53:08 GMT

UCU has called on Swansea University's Council to reject management plans to make up to a dozen lecturers and professors redundant at its School of Environment and Society.

Staff and student input required if college security guidelines are to stand any chance of working

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:43:02 GMT

New government security guidance for further education colleges should have been devised with proper input from staff and students if it was to stand a real chance of being effective, UCU said today.

Clarification needed over numbers of students who missed out on university place

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:53:21 GMT

UCU today said it welcomed the rise in the number of students who secured a place at university this year. However, the union said clear data was required to clarify how many students missed out on a place at university this summer following the fiasco over student numbers.

Barnet College lecturers' protest over new pay and conditions

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:01:45 GMT

Staff to stop unpaid overtime as college tries to enforce new contracts

UCU response to Lord Mandelson's speech at CBI conference

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:32:43 GMT

UCU today welcomed comments from Lord Mandelson that the government would continue to try to widen access to university and invest heavily in our university system. However, the union said that rhetoric alone could not ensure the future of further or higher education.

Mass Lobby of Stirling University Court

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:50:01 GMT

Staff sent a strong message to Stirling University as hundreds of trade union members turned up to protest against redundancies and berate management over their lack of consultation.

UCU says science funding cannot simply be raised by tuition fee hike

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:11:16 GMT

UCU today said that calls for extra funding for science and universities by government adviser, Professor John Holman were to be welcomed. However, the union said that the extra funds could not be raised by simply lifting the cap on university tuition fees.

Lobby of Stirling University Court

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:12:14 GMT

UCU Scotland and the campus unions are to lobby the Stirling University Court today over concerns that it will initiate compulsory redundancies.

Wide gap between Scotland's best and worst areas for educational success, says report

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:46:23 GMT

Where you live will determine your chances of educational success and the gap between people living in underachieving areas and those in traditionally strong educational areas is still huge, despite £100 million spent in Scotland on trying to widen university participation since 2005. A damning new report by the University and College Union (UCU) reveals the full extent of the postcode lottery when it comes to educational achievement.

Gap widening between Britain's best and worst areas for educational success, warns report

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:08:17 GMT

Report exposes postcode lottery of educational achievement and how gap between haves and have nots has widened

UCU response to research funding report

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:09:31 GMT

UCU today said that new research funding proposals were founded on a lack of understanding of how knowledge advances and are a threat to academic freedom.

Staff to strike again at crisis hit London university

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 13:34:15 GMT

London Metropolitan University will be brought to a standstill on Thursday and Friday (15 and 16 October) as members of UCU and Unison trade unions take strike action as part of their ongoing fight to save hundreds of jobs.

UCU warns against tuition fee rise

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:36:30 GMT

UCU today warned the Tories against pushing for a rise in university tuition fees.

UCU welcomes commons debate on higher education

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:31:39 GMT

UCU today said the first Opposition Day debate of the new parliamentary term should set the agenda for much wider debates on the future of university funding as we head towards a general election.

Government must make case to taxpayers for sale of student loan book, says UCU

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:08:33 GMT

UCU today said the government had to make a clear case for the sale of public assets, including the student loan book.

Lobby of Stirling University over redundancies

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:03:22 GMT

UCU Scotland is to lobby the Stirling University Court on Monday 19 October amid concerns that it will initiate compulsory redundancies. The union said that cutting almost a tenth of the institution's workforce was completely out of all proportion to the 1.6% funding cut the university was hit with earlier in the year.

UCU rejects HE employers' final offer

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:14:18 GMT

UCU today rejected the full and final offer from the employers' representatives the University and College Employers Association (UCEA). UCU joins both the Educational Institute of Scotland and Unite, who have also rejected the offer.

Hundreds of jobs at risk at University of Leeds

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:23:27 GMT

UCU has warned that hundreds of jobs could be risk at the University of Leeds after the university announced plans for a £35 million budget cut.

Bad management to blame for proposed job losses at University of Gloucestershire, says union

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:02:49 GMT

UCU today blamed poor management for the decision by the University of Gloucestershire to close campuses in Cheltenham and London and to cut jobs at its Francis Close Hall site.

UCU Scotland welcomes funding to address student hardship

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:46:16 GMT

UCU Scotland welcomed the news of the Scottish Government's decision that additional funding for student support will be directed to alleviate student hardship.

'Fashion police college' gets dressing down from staff

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:13:10 GMT

Members of staff at Birmingham Metropolitan College have been told they will be sent home if they do not follow the college's strict new dress code.

End charitable status for private schools, says new poll

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:11:07 GMT

Ahead of David Willett's Conservative Party conference speech, poll shows Tory voters split over tax breaks

UCU response to Tory plans to fund extra university places

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:51:24 GMT

UCU has responding to an announcement from the Conservative Party that it would fund an additional 10,000 university places through early repayment bonuses.

Under fire Reading University criticised for staff charge hike

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:10:23 GMT

UCU today (Thursday) condemned the University of Reading after it announced that it would be withdrawing its free counselling service for staff, at the same time as it is looks to make 130 people redundant.

Staff input vital to raising standards and quality at universities, says UCU

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:25:02 GMT

UCU today said that any review of quality and standards in higher education must involve direct input from staff.

UCU responds to Coggon report on Manchester deaths

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:08:25 GMT

Responding to today's report by Professor David Coggon in to suspected radiation and mercury exposure at the University of Manchester's Rutherford building, UCU said management should have acted earlier to allay staff fears about the potential dangers of contamination.

Strike off at Askham Bryan College as last minute talks agreed

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:44:36 GMT

UCU today called off strike action at Askham Bryan College planned for tomorrow (Tuesday). The college has committed to talks with the union, through the arbitration service ACAS, looking at how to resolve a fiveyearold pay row.

Warm words not enough: UCU responds to Lord Mandelson's Labour conference speech

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:11:22 GMT

UCU today said warm words from Lord Mandelson on higher education were not good enough.

Beware revenge of 'topup fees generation' poll warns Labour

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:34:23 GMT

On the eve of the Labour Party conference a new poll reveals that the 'topup fees generation' are overwhelmingly opposed to any increase in university fees. The poll, conducted by YouGov for UCU shows that a staggering 85% of young people (1824 year olds) oppose an increase in student tuition fees, with just 5% in favour.

Labour Party conference rally

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:29:51 GMT

Members of UCU will be supporting a march and rally at the Labour Party conference tomorrow that will call for jobs, education and peace.

Strikes at five further education colleges in pay row

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:50:38 GMT

Five further education colleges across the country will be brought to a standstill on Tuesday in a row over their failure to honour a pay deal agreed over five years ago.

Staff return to work at Tower Hamlets College after compulsory job loss plans are scrapped

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:45:29 GMT

Members of UCU have returned to work at Tower Hamlets College after hammering out an agreement to avoid compulsory redundancies during 18 hours of talks at the arbitration service ACAS.

UCU Scotland concern over teacher training budget

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:15:09 GMT

UCU Scotland criticised the Scottish government for imposing a ridiculous hire and fire regime in teacher training in Scotland.

Using vouchers to fund universities will lead to a twotier system, warns UCU

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:38:31 GMT

UCU today said that using vouchers as a way of funding universities will lead to a twotier higher education system.

UCU accuses universities of glossing over key problems in UK higher education

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:55:46 GMT

UCU said today that while there was much to be celebrated in UK higher education, there were also serious problems that could not be overlooked.

Clean your own desk and get rid of your bin says swine flu university after cleaning cut backs

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:58:10 GMT

Staff at the University of Sheffield have been told to clean their own areas and consider pooling bins after cutbacks on cleaning staff.

New research guidelines threat to academic freedom, warns UCU

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:03:00 GMT

UCU has warned that new guidelines on research funding are a threat to academic freedom and risk heavily restricting universities' chances of making significant breakthroughs.

Lib Dem uni fees row further proves political leaders out of touch with public opinion, says UCU

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:13:58 GMT

UCU today (Monday) said that the Liberal Democrats' infighting over university tuition fees was further proof that political leaders were out of touch on the fees issue.

UCU response to CBI education report

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:12:50 GMT

UCU today (Monday) said a CBI report might call for new thinking with regards to HE funding, but merely lists a number of ways to make UK students pick up the bill for their education.

UCU warns Doncaster College over swingeing job cuts

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:00:18 GMT

UCU has warned Doncaster College that it could face industrial action if it goes ahead with controversial plans for swingeing job cuts.

Unions launch joint campaign to save nurseries in colleges and universities

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:21:26 GMT

UNISON, NUS and UCU have today launched a joint union campaign to stop nursery closures in universities and colleges across the UK.

UCU Scotland welcomes increase in university budget

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 16:07:32 GMT

UCU Scotland welcomed the increase in the Scottish budget for universities with the government realising the importance of higher education in a recession.

TUC backs UCU's call for stopping EU Free Trade Agreement with Colombia

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:37:00 GMT

TUC Congress today (Wednesday) backed calls from UCU for the European Union to refuse to sign a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia.

TUC backs UCU's call for investment in education

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:10:24 GMT

TUC Congress today (Tuesday) backed calls from UCU for greater investment in education.

A woman's right to shoes UCU delegate to contest high heels motion at TUC Congress

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:07:15 GMT

UCU said today (Tuesday) that a motion at the TUC Congress in Liverpool calling for high heels in the workplace to be replaced by sensible and comfortable shoes may be wellintended, but risked unions being portrayed as killjoys in the media.

UCU Scotland slams call for university fees

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:18:37 GMT

UCU Scotland slams calls for the reintroduction of fees in Scotland and questions the legitimacy and wisdom of Lord Sutherland.

UCU warns David Lammy to keep politics out of university pay talks

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:33:51 GMT

UCU today (Thursday) warned HE minister David Lammy to keep politics out of university pay talks.

UK lags behind competitor countries on education and training, says report

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:43:13 GMT

UCU today (Tuesday) called on the government to urgently invest in education and training after new figures revealed that the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEETS) in Britain was higher than the majority of other leading economies.

UCU comment on appointment of new UCEA chair

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:37:02 GMT

UCU today (Monday) welcomed Professor Keith Burnett to his new role as chair of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA).

UCU welcomes graduate employment figures, but warns government against using them to justify regressive funding policies

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:13:42 GMT

UCU welcomed new figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) that revealed the vast majority of graduates find employment and are satisfied with their jobs.

UCU Scotland welcomes graduate employment figures

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:14:44 GMT

UCU Scotland welcomed new figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) that revealed the vast majority of Scottish graduates find employment in Scotland and are satisfied with their jobs.

Time running out for London Met as academic boycott date closes in

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:09:22 GMT

London Metropolitan University (LMU) faces the ignominy of becoming the first university to be 'greylisted' by the UCU in a row over job cuts.

GCSE results day strike action in row over cuts at Ystrad Mynach College

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:54:25 GMT

UCU members at Ystrad Mynach College went on strike on Thursday 27 August in protest at college plans to increase the workload of frontline teaching staff and to cut the quality of education for students.

Indefinite strike action goes ahead at Tower Hamlets College

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:00:19 GMT

Tower Hamlets College faces indefinite strike action from tomorrow (Thursday 27 August) after eleventh hour talks failed to resolve the ongoing row over job losses and cuts to English language courses.

Complete overhaul of university funding required, not damaging tinkering, says UCU

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:07:07 GMT

UCU has said that tinkering with the current higher education funding system was not enough to solve its problems. The union said that a complete overhaul was required if the brightest students, whatever their backgrounds, were to succeed at university.

The Manchester College

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:10:55 GMT

Action over cuts at Manchester College.

UCU welcomes decision on future of capital's prison education

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:21:27 GMT

UCU today welcomed the decision from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to award Kensington and Chelsea College the contract to provide prison education for Holloway, Belmarsh and Pentonville prisons from 1 October.

GCSE results day strike action at under fire Manchester College

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:06:28 GMT

Manchester College will be brought to a standstill on Thursday (27 August) as members of the UCU go on strike in protest at the sacking of 15 staff members. The under fire college has been accused of employing unionbusting tactics in its pursuit of redundancies.

UCU laments failed widening participation agenda as thousands miss out on university place

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:54:05 GMT

UCU has said that the expected rush for limited clearing places marked the nadir of the government's widening participation agenda. The union blamed the government's failure to match strong ambition to expand university access with the money to properly fund higher education.

Further fees increase 'about as popular as poll tax' says UCU as student debt rises yet again

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:37:25 GMT

UCU today called on the government to protect jobs and courses in further education after a new study highlighted the vital role further education can play in helping people become more employable and skilled.

Further education key to raising employment says new report

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:09:04 GMT

Sutton Trust report reveals Britain's 'poverty of ambition', says UCU

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:08:26 GMT

UCU today warned that Britain is suffering from a 'poverty of ambition' after a new report showed that thousands of pupils from state schools and further education colleges are not applying to Britain's top universities despite having the Alevels to secure a place.

UCU Scotland response to national student survey

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:07:46 GMT

UCU Scotland today said that it welcomed a survey from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) that reveals the majority of Scottish students are happy with quality of teaching they receive at university.

UCU responds to national student survey

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:10:20 GMT

UCU today said that it welcomed a survey from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) that reveals the majority of students are happy with quality of teaching they receive at university.

UCU tells London Met to get its 'house in order' after damning revelations

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:26:56 GMT

UCU has called on London Metropolitan University (LMU) to get its 'house in order' after senior managers and governors were accused of 'operating blindly' in a hard hitting report by auditors BDO.

UCU to fight 250 job losses at University of Wolverhampton

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:24:22 GMT

UCU today warned that it would be fighting against proposed job cuts at the University of Wolverhampton.

UCU warns LSC not to deliver prison education 'on the cheap'

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:06:11 GMT

UCU has written to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and warned the funding body that it risks putting quality and standards in prison education at risk if it hands out contracts to private providers.

UCU responds to select committee report on students and universities

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:24:33 GMT

UCU has welcomed calls from a committee of MPs to introduce a simple national bursary scheme for students. The union also welcomed the committee's call for a full proper review of university tuition fees.

Bournemouth University faces protests over job cuts

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:20:24 GMT

UCU has warned Bournemouth University to think again over plans to axe 10 members of staff in the successful and globallyrespected School of Conservation Sciences. The school specialises in archaeology, ecology, forensics and geography.

Privatisation may damage your wealth, UCU warns universities after more losses

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:34:27 GMT

UCU has warned universities and colleges to think very carefully before entering partnerships with private firms after new research showed that every single joint venture between the private company INTO University Partnerships and its partner university or college made a loss in 200708 the most recent figures available.

Report finds LSC guilty of 'very serious' management failure in college buildings fiasco

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:40:55 GMT

UCU said today that a report from the Committee of Public Accounts on a 'very serious failure' in the management of the programme to refurbish and rebuild further education was a damning indictment on the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

UCU responds to report on universities' role in moving UK out of recession

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:56:35 GMT

UCU today said that universities must be allowed to play their full part in helping lift the country out of recession.

Higher fees less popular than poll tax, UCU warns Mandelson

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:37:24 GMT

UCU today said it was very concerned that Lord Mandelson appeared to give a green light to higher university tuition fees for students in a speech on the future of higher education.

Half of job cut universities breaking the law

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:12:08 GMT

Half of universities planning to axe staff are breaking the law by failing to carry out legally required equality impact assessments. UCU has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) asking them to properly investigate what is describes as a 'widespread systematic failure' of universities to act legally when it comes to cutting jobs.

UCU responds to cuts in university teaching funding

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:00:32 GMT

UCU today slammed the decision by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to reduce funding for university teaching by £65 million. The union said that the new efficiency savings would do irreparable damage to quality and provision in the country.

UCU condemns London Met for 'cruel joke' on staff

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:18:48 GMT

UCU has condemned London Metropolitan University (LMU) for using the same discredited student completion records that plunged the institution into crisis as a way of selecting staff for redundancy.

Poorest students betrayed in bursary policy Uturn, says UCU

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:36:02 GMT

UCU today attacked the decision by the government and the Office For Fair Access (OFFA) to renege on a promise that the poorest students would have their full university tuition fees covered by a government grant and a bursary from their institution.

UCU responds to feefree higher education report

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:20:17 GMT

UCU has backed calls for greater local access to higher education but warned that new recommendations for students to study some degrees for free, in return for not receiving any funding support, were confused and risked widening the gulf between the haves and have nots.

UCU responds to 10,000 extra places in higher education

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 09:16:42 GMT

UCU has welcomed the announcement by the business secretary Peter Mandelson that there would be an extra 10,000 student places at universities. However, the union warned that extra places alone could provide more challenges for the beleaguered higher education sector.

Beleaguered Manchester College hit by strike action in Buckinghamshire

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:24:23 GMT

Teaching staff at the Oakhill Secure Training centre near Milton Keynes (who are employed by Manchester College) are walking out on 21 July over allegations of bullying and harassment.

UCU says 'catastrophic mismanagement' report must lead to compensation for colleges hit in buildings fiasco

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:20:13 GMT

UCU today welcomed a hardhitting report from the Innovation, Universities, Science and Skills Committee into the fiasco of the college buildings programme in further education.

UCU reaction to prime minister's promise of extra university places

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:35:56 GMT

UCU today said that it welcomed the promise from the prime minister that there would be extra student places at universities this year. However, the union warned that extra places alone could provide more challenges for the beleaguered higher education sector.

New graduate figures make grim reading for higher education, says UCU

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:36:42 GMT

UCU today said that a sharp rise in graduate unemployment and increasing numbers of students not completing their first year at university did little to help a higher education sector that is also being hit with job losses throughout the UK.

Education crisis: 6,000 jobs slashed and over 100,000 students affected as recession hits education

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:03:29 GMT

The UK is in the midst of a crisis in education as the recession hits universities and colleges, according to job loss figures released today by UCU.

Wales in education crisis: jobs slashed as recession hits education

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:02:56 GMT

Hundreds of jobs at Welsh colleges and universities face being axed, according to new figures released today by UCU.

300 education jobs to go as recession hits Scottish universities

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:02:05 GMT

Scotland risks losing its proud reputation as a global leader in higher education, according to job loss figures released today by UCU.

UCU anger at universities' refusal to recognise real problem of job losses

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:54:32 GMT

UCU today said it was furious at the response from the university employers' organisation over the figures for job losses in higher education.

Strike at City of Bristol College in jobs row

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:44:06 GMT

Members of UCU at the newly created Sixth Form Academy at City of Bristol College (CoBC) are taking strike action tomorrow in a row over compulsory job losses.

Strike off as union claims major victory at City College Birmingham

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:44:04 GMT

Members of UCU at City College Birmingham have suspended plans for strike action tomorrow. The union has secured an agreement with the college that there will be no compulsory redundancies, following an announcement of job losses earlier this year.

Universities need support to lift UK out of recession

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 13:13:07 GMT

UCU today called on the government to protect education during the recession after a new report showed a record rise in the amount of money higher education contributes to the British economy.

Staff to strike again at London Met

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:33 GMT

London Metropolitan University (LMU) will be brought to a standstill on Tuesday 14 July as members of UCU and Unison go on strike as part of their ongoing fight to save hundreds of jobs.

Thousands of students face university misery, warns UCU

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 10:07:51 GMT

UCU today said potential students risked seeing their dreams shattered as a poll revealed record numbers of state school children want to go on to higher education.

UCU responds to 10% rise in university applicants

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:09:24 GMT

UCU today welcomed a 9.7% rise in applicants to UK universities and colleges compared to the same time last year.

Protest at Southgate College over job cuts

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:36 GMT

Staff at Southgate College will hold a special lunchtime rally on Friday 10 July in protest against 30 job losses.

UCU responds to feefree higher education plans

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:11:47 GMT

UCU today said government plans to allow students to study some degree courses without having to pay tuition fees if they agreed not to take up any funding support were confused and risked widening the gulf between the haves and have nots.

Governors must take responsibility for approving redundancies, say unions

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:37 GMT

Students and staff from London Metropolitan University lobbied the chair of the board of governors on 2 July to protest against job cuts.

England's FE employers increase pay offer to 1.5%

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:08:22 GMT

Following meetings with officials of the joint trade unions, the Association of Colleges have increased their final offer for 200910 to 1.5% on all scales and allowances from 1 August 2009.

Politicians to join university protests in language cuts row

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:48:19 GMT

Local politicians will put aside party differences on 7 July to join protests at the University of the West of England (UWE) against cuts to language courses.

Candidates for Norwich North byelection go speed dating with voters

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:58:48 GMT

Candidates for the Norwich North byelection will take part in a political speed dating session with constituents on Thursday where they will be quizzed over their plans for education.

Workers protest over job cuts as colleges waste millions on consultants and agency staff

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:27:53 GMT

New figures revealing that £51,213,507 has been spent on expensive agency staff and paying consultant fees by further education colleges have been slammed by UNISON and UCU as a waste of money.

Staff strike at Tower Hamlets

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:14:21 GMT

Tower Hamlets College will be brought to a standstill tomorrow as members of UCU go on strike as part of their ongoing fight to save jobs and vital adult education courses.

UCU responds to new graduate figures

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:26:57 GMT

UCU today said the government needed to remove barriers to higher education during difficult economic times.

Launch of joint partnership agreement between the National Union of Teachers and UCU

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:03:14 GMT

In a move to ensure a stronger voice in debates that will affect all those in education the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and UCU are today joining together in a historic joint partnership agreement.

Staff to strike again at London Met

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:14:25 GMT

Strike action planned for 2 July.

UCU comment on fee rises as loans and grants are frozen

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:02:34 GMT

Commenting on the news today that university tuition fees will rise by 2.04% next year, but student grants and loans will remain frozen at last year's rates, UCU said the announcement did little to persuade people that the government was serious about education not becoming a victim of the recession.

Picnic protest over job cuts at Warwickshire college

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:56:38 GMT

Strike action on the cards unless North Warwickshire and Hinckley College removes threat of compulsory redundancies.

UCU calls for new management at London Met

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:14:27 GMT

UCU has called for the management and governors of London Metropolitan University (LMU) to be replaced after it was revealed that the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) had 'no confidence in their 'leadership'.

Unions accuse colleges of shameful hypocrisy on pay

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:26:45 GMT

Further education unions GMB, UCU, UNISON and Unite today accused college heads of hypocrisy on pay after figures revealed that 80 colleges across England had boosted their principals' salaries by more than 50% in 8 years.

Staff strike at Manchester College over job losses

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:45:20 GMT

Manchester City College will be brought to a standstill on 1 July as members of UCU go on strike in protest against 13 job losses.

UCU condemns arrests of Iranian academics

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:27:36 GMT

UCU has condemned the Iranian government after 70 university professors were arrested as part of the state's crackdown on opposition protestors.

Staff to strike at Tower Hamlets

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 09:14:28 GMT

Tower Hamlets College will be brought to a standstill on Friday July 3 after members of UCU voted to go on strike as part of their ongoing fight to save jobs and vital adult education courses.

Education key issue as byelection poll shows Labour and Tories neckandneck

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:49:23 GMT

Investing in education and training will be a key vote winner at the forthcoming Norwich North byelection, new research has revealed.

Union members vote for strike at Gorseinon College

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:08:33 GMT

Gorseinon College will be brought to a standstill on Wednesday 8 July as staff go on strike in protest against 10 job losses. Members of UCU have this week voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action and have told the college 'to get its house in order'.

University of Westminster threatened with industrial action over failed pay deal

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:22:20 GMT

UCU today warned the University of Westminster that it could face industrial action over its failure to deliver three years' worth of back pay owed to staff.

Thames Valley warned of industrial action over cuts

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:37:00 GMT

UCU has warned Thames Valley University that it could face industrial action after it announced plans for compulsory redundancies.

Further strike action at London Met

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:24 GMT

London Metropolitan University will be brought to a standstill on Thursday 2 July as members of UCU and Unison take a day's strike action as part of their ongoing fight to save hundreds of jobs.

North Nottinghamshire College slammed over jobs cull

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:22:28 GMT

UCU today slammed North Nottinghamshire College after it announced that will be axing 15 fulltime posts.

Barnsley College told it could face industrial action over cuts

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:19:20 GMT

UCU today warned Barnsley College that it will be balloting members for industrial action. The union is angry after the college announced plans for 53 redundancies and told staff that it will be replacing some lecturers with lower paid associate teachers.

Fight for education jobs in Leeds intensifies

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:23 GMT

Teachers, lecturers and academic staff from across Leeds will hold a special public meeting at Leeds Metropolitan University from 7pm on 25 June in protest over swathing jobs cuts in local education.

Education unions call on funding body to rescue teacher training

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:20 GMT

UCU and NUT have written to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) warning the funding body that it needs to step in now before irreparable damage is done to teacher training in the country.

Manchester College strike action over job losses

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:21 GMT

Members of UCU have overwhelmingly voted for strike action at Manchester College.

UCU Stranmillis branch 'deeply concerned' about implications of proposed merger with Queen's University

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:34:15 GMT

UCU's Stranmillis branch has said it is now 'deeply concerned' about the proposed merger with Queen's University, in the light of the academic plan as revealed by Queen's last week, and following today's meeting with the Employment and Learning Committee at Stormont.

Unions launch historic environmental initiative

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:19 GMT

UCU today joined forces with the Communications Workers Union (CWU), the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), the National Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Climate Outreach and Information Network to launch the 'Climate Solidarity' project.

Jones Review into higher education is 'hugely disappointing'

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:03:32 GMT

UCU has responded to the publication of the Jones Review into the role and purpose of higher education in Wales

Protests at university over languages cull

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:17 GMT

The University of the West of England (UWE) will be hit by a demonstration on Wednesday 24 June as staff, students and external examiners protest outside an exam board meeting over cuts to language courses.

Stirling University urged to consult over job losses

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:16 GMT

UCU today warned the University of Stirling to get its house in order on the issue of job cuts. The union said the university had failed to fulfil its legal duties and has made a mockery of its voluntary redundancy scheme by calling staff into meetings to discuss redundancy.

London Metropolitan University attacked for underhanded sackings plan

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:14 GMT

London Metropolitan University (LMU) was today slammed for trying to sneak through redundancy plans that could see staff rejected for voluntary redundancy sacked on vastly inferior terms.

UCU slams Queen's University Belfast over mass staff cull

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:33:39 GMT

UCU today warned Queen's University Belfast not to go ahead with controversial plans for swathing job cuts.

Victory at SOAS in cleaners' deportation fight

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:02 GMT

UCU today said it was delighted that the University of London's School of School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) had thrashed out a deal with the local students' union to save cleaners at the institution from deportation.

Tower Hamlets protest over adult education cut

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:08 GMT

Staff and students at Tower Hamlets College will protest from 5pm tomorrow in their fight to save jobs and vital adult education courses. Members of UCU will join forces with pupils, parents and families for a rally at the college's Poplar site.

Barnet College could face industrial action in row over working conditions

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:13 GMT

UCU and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) today warned Barnet College that it could face industrial action if it tries to impose controversial new contracts on staff.

UCU comment on SOAS cleaners' deportation fight

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:32:06 GMT

UCU today offered its support in the battle to save cleaners at the University of London's School of School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) from deportation.

Staff strike at City College Birmingham

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:57:19 GMT

City College Birmingham will be brought to standstill on 16 June as staff go on strike in protest against 76 job losses and longer teaching hours.

Staff strike at Askham Bryan College in pay row

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:52:44 GMT

Askham Bryan College will be brought to a standstill on 16 June in a row over its failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

UCU national official awarded MBE for services to adult education

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:29:19 GMT

Dan Taubman, UCU senior national official, will today be appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday 2009 Honours List for services to adult learning.

London Met protests over jobs cull

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:29:53 GMT

Staff and students at London Metropolitan University will protest from 4pm on Monday 15 June in their ongoing fight to save over 550 jobs.

Strike threat at City of Bristol College in job loss row

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:47:19 GMT

UCU today announced that it is balloting members at City of Bristol College for strike action over job losses.

Unions slam employers over broken promise on pay offer

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:02:53 GMT

The six further education trade unions the Association for College Management (ACM), the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), the GMB, the University and College Union (UCU), UNISON and UNITE today accused college employers of breaking their promise over staff pay.

Union calls for answers as Jaguar and Landrover trainees leave 'motor city'

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:15:02 GMT

UCU today called on Warwickshire College and Coventry City College to end the confusion over the future of Jaguar and Land Rover apprenticeships in the region.

UCU response to NUS alternative blueprint for higher education funding

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:52:22 GMT

UCU today said that it welcomed the contribution to the higher education funding debate from the National Union of Students (NUS)

University of Westminster slammed over failed pay deal

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:15:09 GMT

UCU today slammed the University of Westminster for its failure to deliver three years' worth of back pay owed to staff.

Staff strike at Leeds College of Art and Design in pay row

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:36:49 GMT

Leeds College of Art and Design will be brought to a standstill today in a row over its failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

Staff strike at Suffolk New College in pay row

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:30:14 GMT

Suffolk New College will be brought to a standstill on 10 June in a row over its failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago

UCU comment on new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:22:20 GMT

UCU has today expressed its disappointment at the news that the former Department for Innovation Universities and Skills is to merge with the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform to create a new Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Staff to strike at City College Birmingham

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:42 GMT

Members of UCU have voted overwhelmingly to take strike action at City College Birmingham in their ongoing row over 76 job losses.

Barnsley College slammed over job cuts as union warns of strike action

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:00:24 GMT

UCU today warned Barnsley College it could face industrial disruption if it goes ahead with controversial plans for job cuts. Staff have been told that 53 posts will go and that some lecturers will be replaced by lower skilled assessors, as the college looks to reorganise.

Students and staff urge colleges and universities to 'green up' on World Environment Day

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:00:42 GMT

UCU and the National Union of Students (NUS) are today calling for urgent action to combat the threat of climate change.

UCU outraged and astonished as Denham blames poor teaching for increase in university dropouts

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:06:40 GMT

UCU today said it was outraged and astonished that universities minister, John Denham, had blamed poor teaching for an increase in the percentage of students not completing their degrees.

UCU responds to university dropout rate figures

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:49:02 GMT

UCU today said that the drop in students from the poorest backgrounds studying at UK universities, coupled with an increase in the number of first degree students not completing their studies, served as a stark reminder to government that fairer ways of funding higher education are required if all potential students are to consider university as a realistic goal in life.

UCU calls for end to delays in college building crisis

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:05:53 GMT

UCU today called for an urgent resolution to the building crisis in further education, after the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) said there would be further delays in announcing funding.

Protest at Leeds University over job cuts

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:33:00 GMT

Members of UCU at Leeds University today staged a protest over proposed job cuts.

Staff at Liverpool Community College strike in pay row

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:05:05 GMT

Liverpool Community College will be brought to a standstill today as staff walk out in a row over pay cuts and longer, and more antisocial, working hours.

High cost of education in tough times rations hope, says UCU general secretary in keynote speech

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:34:36 GMT

Government and failing financial systems slammed as general secretary sets out union's plans for the next general election.

UCU calls on government to halt education cuts

Fri, 29 May 2009 12:33:58 GMT

UCU today called on the government to protect jobs in further and higher education.

UCU accuses government of misleading public over London Met inquiry shambles

Fri, 22 May 2009 10:41:37 GMT

UCU has accused the government of misleading the public and shirking its responsibility over its refusal to have a full independent inquiry into the financial mess at London's biggest university.

Higher education unions reject employers' offer on pay and jobs

Thu, 21 May 2009 09:28:19 GMT

The higher education unions UCU, EIS, GMB, UNISON and Unite have unanimously rejected a 'derisory' pay offer from the national employers of just 0.4%.

Staff strike at Croydon College in pay row

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:44:56 GMT

Croydon College will be brought to a standstill on 20 May in a row over its failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

UCU responds to appointment of new London Met vicechancellor

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:57 GMT

London Metropolitan University (LMU) has today appointed Alfred Morris as its new interim vicechancellor. The news comes as MPs prepare to press the government to investigate the institution's failings.

UCU responds to rising number of student complaints

Mon, 18 May 2009 17:16:51 GMT

The number of complaints lodged by students against their universities increased by 23 per cent in 2008 from the previous year, according to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator's annual report.

Strike threat at Birmingham job cut college

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:38:33 GMT

City College Birmingham could be brought to a grinding halt as staff are gearing up for strike action in their campaign to save 74 jobs.

Plans to axe Liverpool University departments are shelved

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:40:14 GMT

Plans to axe the philosophy, politics and communications and statistics departments at Liverpool University have been dropped after protests from lecturers and students in the city.

Protests at planned university job cuts

Mon, 18 May 2009 11:44:17 GMT

Members of UCU at Cardiff University will today demonstrate at Cardiff University over plans to axe 140 jobs and cut 250 courses at the institution's Centre for Lifelong Learning.

Further education unions reject 1% pay offer

Thu, 14 May 2009 07:29:46 GMT

The six further education unions, ACM, ATL, GMB, UCU, UNISON and UNITE*, representing 250,000 staff working in colleges in England have formally rejected an offer of 1% from the employers' association, the Association of Colleges (AoC).

University of Surrey announces 65 job losses

Tue, 12 May 2009 11:27:23 GMT

The University of Surrey has announced that it is planning to make 65 staff redundant. In an ominous message to staff, vicechancellor, Professor Christopher Snowdon, said he could not guarantee that there would be no compulsory redundancies and predicted some universities would be reduced in size and scope or even forced to merge as the financial crisis takes its toll on UK higher education.

Student occupation at London Metropolitan University over job cuts

Tue, 12 May 2009 10:13:30 GMT

UCU has called for a public enquiry into the failings of London Metropolitan University (LMU) as students from the university staged an occupation of the institution's Commercial Road building.

Unions sign historic international deals to protect academic freedom and staff conditions

Mon, 11 May 2009 09:06:27 GMT

In an historic move, UCU has join forces with half a million academics from around the world to create a series of new international agreements that will help safeguard academic standards at home and abroad.

Protest at Strathclyde University over job losses

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:09:16 GMT

Members of UCU at Strathclyde University will today lobby the university's top decision making body in protest over job losses and plans for reshaping of the university.

UCU says funding cuts would make a mockery of PM's promise to protect education

Thu, 07 May 2009 11:05:27 GMT

UCU said today that reported education funding cuts would make a mockery of the Prime Minister's commitment earlier this week that 'education would not become a victim of the recession'. The Times newspaper this morning reported that universities and colleges would see their budgets cut.

Outrage as University of Surrey wins £600,000 to help people facing the sack and then announces job cuts

Thu, 07 May 2009 09:20:41 GMT

UCU said today that the University of Surrey's announcement that it would be sacking staff made a mockery of its commitment to 'helping vulnerable individuals and businesses through the recession, by securing the skills they need to protect employment.'

Higher fees have not created an improvement in student contact time, says report

Thu, 07 May 2009 09:06:45 GMT

Union says national agreement to prevent jobs crisis needed to protect quality of higher education in the UK.

London Met lecturers forced into strike action

Wed, 06 May 2009 11:02:12 GMT

London Metropolitan University will be brought to a standstill on 7 May as members of UCU take a day's strike action as part of their ongoing fight to save at least 550 jobs that are at risk.

Employers isolated as staff and students unite to demand job security

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:30:32 GMT

UCU today told university employers that they were isolated in their refusal to deliver a national agreement to protect jobs in the higher education sector. UCU and the other trade unions who represent staff in the sector have joined forces with the National Union of Students (NUS) to issue a joint demand for a job security agreement.

Doncaster College halts plans for mass job cull

Fri, 01 May 2009 10:42:47 GMT

UCU today welcomed the decision by Doncaster College, to abandon plans for mass redundancies. Over a 150 jobs look to have been saved, just days after the principal, Rowland Foote, was suspended and in the same week that UCU called for an investigation in to the college's finances.

Universities must not use RAE results to axe jobs warns UCU

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:55:13 GMT

Clear national agreement to protect unnecessary job cuts essential, says union, as ballot papers for industrial action go out

UCU calls for urgent investigation of Doncaster College as principal is suspended

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:10:48 GMT

UCU has called for a public investigation into the way Doncaster College is run, after its principal, Rowland Foote, was suspended.

London Met lecturers vote for strike action

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:13:08 GMT

Members of the UCU at London Metropolitan University (LMU) have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action and 'action short of a strike' in their ongoing fight against at least 550 jobs that are at risk.

Hundreds march in Lambeth against 'crippling' workloads

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:54:41 GMT

Members of UCU from Lambeth College marched through Brixton today in protest at heavier workloads and worsening conditions of service. Over 200 people took to the streets, as staff were joined by students on the march through the centre of Brixton.

Union reaction to higher education talks

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:32:56 GMT

The higher education unions the University and College Union (UCU), EIS, GMB, UNISON and Unite today unanimously rejected a 'derisory' pay offer from the national employers of just 0.3%.

NHS training budget cull leaves 500 staff at risk as higher education fears jobs meltdown

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:23:19 GMT

Lecturers balloted for industrial action as employers refuse to discuss job protection agreement

UCU pledges to fight Cardiff University job cuts

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:34:43 GMT

UCU has vowed to fight plans for 140 redundancies at the Centre for Lifelong Learning at Cardiff University. The union said the university could not hide behind claims that implementing a nationally agreed pay deal would result in axing staff.

UCU responds to student application figures

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:48:52 GMT

Government must reverse funding cuts for 'second chance' students, says union

Universities to be hit with industrial action unless urgent action on job cuts is agreed

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:59:39 GMT

UCU has warned that higher education could be brought to a standstill as the union announced that it is balloting its members in higher education over job cuts across the sector.

UCU says proper support needed if government wants to deliver on budget promises

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:26:59 GMT

UCU today welcomed increased investment in further education in the budget. However, the union said the government needed to recognise that quality training to even more students could not be delivered without proper investment in staff and buildings.

Government's FE policy agenda in jeopardy if budget ignores funding crisis

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:23:39 GMT

UCU today called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, to find 'much needed' extra funding for further education in this year's budget.

Use budget to reverse degree cuts, says UCU

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:04:25 GMT

UCU argues world has changed dramatically since 'calamitous' decision to axe access to second chance courses.

UCU campaign secures £8.9m cash boost for further education

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 14:41:04 GMT

UCU has today welcomed the news that the Welsh Assembly Government is to inject £8.9m into the FE sector in Wales to support those colleges and school sixth forms hit by recent budget cuts.

Union victory in funding fight

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:53:50 GMT

Responding to an announcement by Assembly Government Ministers of additional funding for further education, UCU said it was a 'victory for the campaigning and hard work of UCU members.'

Further education staff demand fairer pay deal from employer

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 10:05:46 GMT

The six further education trade unions ACM, ATL, GMB, UCU, UNISON, UNITE have submitted a pay claim of 6% for the next academic year (2009/2010) or a minimum salary increase of £2,000 for the lowest paid.

Scottish universities hit by research funding cuts

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:02:13 GMT

A lack of additional funding for research has led to some Scottish universities suffering significant cuts in funding, said UCU today.

LSC urged to protect pay and conditions for prison educators

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:05:42 GMT

UCU has demanded that staff in prison education be given the same pay and conditions as their colleagues across the further education sector.

UCU calls for urgent action to save college building projects

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:51:46 GMT

UCU has backed calls for intervention from the treasury to resolve the current building crisis in further education.

Lecturers and students take jobs protest to Assembly

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:57:37 GMT

Hundreds of lecturers and students will demonstrate at the Welsh Assembly on 1 April in protest at funding cuts to further education colleges.

Government urged to listen to young people and think again on university fees

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:47:15 GMT

UCU will today urge the government to deliver on its own promises to reconnect with the public over the issue of university funding.

Union frustrations at employers' failings over pay deal

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:30:18 GMT

UCU said today that it was amazed the Universities and Colleges Employers' Association (UCEA) chose not to make a pay offer to the higher education unions at yesterday's pay talks.

Increase in female professors welcome, but rise in gender pay gap real problem for the sector, says UCU

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:01:19 GMT

UCU has welcomed new figures that show an increase in the proportion of female professors. However, the union warned that the higher education sector still had much to do to develop real gender equality.

World leaders urged to invest in education to end financial crisis

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:49:16 GMT

UCU has called on world leaders to show their support for workers during the current economic downturn, by not cutting back on vital education and training.

Rising debts make it harder for students to do 'work experience'

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:04:03 GMT

Responding to today's report on student employability by the Confederation of British Industry and Universities UK, UCU agreed that students getting work experience was important for their future and the UK economy, but warned that many are forced in to working just to pay back soaring debts.

UCU clarifies staff pay rises as vicechancellors go on defensive over their exorbitant rises

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:06:19 GMT

UCU said today that it was important to clarify any confusion surrounding HE staff pay rises.

UCU calls for fairer student bursary system

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:45:57 GMT

UCU has today called for better financial assistance for students.

Job threat to thousands leads to rally call to defend jobs and defend education

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:40:35 GMT

With thousands of jobs and dozens of departments under threat across UK higher and further education, UCU general secretary Sally Hunt has this week written to all members to announce the launch of an urgent major campaign: 'defend jobs, defend education'.

College protests as Assembly warned to act now to avoid 'meltdown'

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:50:22 GMT

Staff will be protesting at Welsh further education colleges on 25 March over budget cuts that they warn will seriously hamper the recovery of the Welsh economy.

UCU urges government to rethink 'over reliance' on Train to Gain

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:08:17 GMT

UCU today said it was disappointed that the government, in responding to a key report on 'reskilling' the UK population, had continued its reliance on the employer led Train to Gain programme.

Lecturers condemn HeriotWatt redundancy threat

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:28:54 GMT

UCU today condemned the actions of HeriotWatt University's outgoing principal, Professor Anton Muscatelli, in summoning staff to be warned individually of compulsory redundancy, without union representation, to make room for his ambitious plans for expansion.

Second round of college strikes in further education pay row

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:21:32 GMT

Four colleges across the country will be brought to a standstill today and tomorrow as staff walk out in a row over their failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

UCU welcomes government white paper on informal adult learning

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:59:34 GMT

UCU today welcomed the government's new white paper on informal adult education, and its pledge to spend an additional £20 million on adult learning partnerships.

University of Reading slammed over closure of school of health and social care

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:14:09 GMT

UCU today slammed the decision by the University of Reading to close its School of Health and Social Care.

Government urged to back universities at UCU Scotland conference

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:17:03 GMT

Scottish universities overtly probusiness agendas, staff being forced to spy on their students and fighting redundancies are among the issues up for debate at the UCU Scotland Congress today.

Unions call for urgent action to save college building projects

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:15:55 GMT

UCU and UNISON have called for urgent action from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to save college building projects.

Uni bosses' pay on a par with the prime minister after huge rises

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:32:05 GMT

UCU today accused university vicechancellors of hypocrisy over staff pay and student fees as it was revealed that, following huge pay rises, they now earn, on average, almost as much as the prime minister.

Member's bulletin

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 10:57:16 GMT

This bulletin is produced periodically for the information of Scottish UCU members.

Calls for higher fees would be ballot box disaster, warns public

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 11:25:05 GMT

UCU said today that vicechancellors' desire to increase university tuition fees to as much as £20,000 a year was directly at odds with the view of the general public, 69% of whom opposed any increase in university tuition fees.

UCU warns unpopular fee rise will restrict universities' talent pools

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:10:42 GMT

UCU said today that any plans to increase university tuition fees would further damage plans to open up university to the brightest students, rather than just those who can afford tuition fees.

Strike threat averted as UCU and employers look forward to new talks

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:15:52 GMT

UCU said today that it was looking to take forward a new agenda for negotiations around pay and conditions for university staff.

Government must back education to lift Scotland out of recession, says UCU

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 07:18:51 GMT

UCU Scotland will say today that longterm planning and proper investment in education are required if Scotland is to pull itself out of recession.

Doncaster College strike threat over job cuts

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:17:40 GMT

UCU today warned Doncaster College that if it does not scrap controversial plans for sweeping job cuts it will probably face more industrial action.

Fight to save social care department at Reading intensifies

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 17:58:58 GMT

UCU said today that the fight to save the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Reading would intensify after the university failed to get a clear majority to back proposals to axe the department.

UCU Scotland says SFC must reduce emphasis on employability in Corporate Plan

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:21:52 GMT

UCU Scotland today called on the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to drastically alter its draft corporate plan and called for a longer consultation period. The union said it was concerned about an over emphasis on employability and called for a broader social and educational perspective.

Protestors angry at refusal to consider options to prevent department cull at Liverpool University

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:17:46 GMT

The philosophy, politics and communications and statistics departments at Liverpool University are still at risk following a meeting of the university's senate this afternoon to the backdrop of noisy protests from staff and students.

Protests at University of Reading over plans to axe Social Care department

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:56:04 GMT

Protestors at the University of Reading will today call on the institution to abandon plans to close its School of Health and Social Care.

Liverpool University protests over department cull

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:43:20 GMT

Students and staff at Liverpool University will protest from 1pm tomorrow against threatened wholesale department closures following the recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results. UCU also warned that strike action could be on the cards as worried and angry staff consider their options.

UCU calls for an end to private sector involvement in prison education

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:33:10 GMT

UCU today called on the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and National Offender Management Service (NOMS) to stop using private companies to deliver prison education.

UCU fears over universities' ability to meet PM's demands on science

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:44:57 GMT

UCU today expressed concerns that science's ability to aid the UK's path to economic recovery could be threatened by new funding arrangements for universities.

New immigration system will damage UK reputation abroad says UCU ahead of minister's speech

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:57:12 GMT

UCU said today that a controversial new pointsbased immigration system will fundamentally taint the UK university brand and damage its standing in the lucrative international student market.

Reading University accused of undermining government social work plans

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:35:13 GMT

UCU said today that Reading University's plans to axe its school of health and care flew in the face of new government plans and made a mockery of both national and local priorities for social work.

Lecturers doing even more unpaid overtime

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:01:31 GMT

University lecturers are doing even more unpaid overtime than last year and far more than the national average, according to new figures from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

Reading University must be open about job axe plans says union

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:13:34 GMT

UCU said today that Reading University must be open about any plans to axe jobs and departments at the university.

UCU says teaching excellence needs to be properly rewarded

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 13:54:12 GMT

UCU said today that teaching had to be properly recognised in our universities as new research revealed that academic staff think teaching should be important when it comes to promotions, but few believe it actually is.

MPs quizzed by over 500 angry adult learners

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:09:35 GMT

MPs were this afternoon quizzed by over 500 adult learners over adult education funding at a mass lobby of Parliament organised by the Campaign Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL).

President of UCU Scotland to visit Palestine and Israel

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:02:43 GMT

A delegation of senior trade unionists from the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), this week (Saturday 28 February 2009) departed for Palestine and Israel.

Secretary of state to be questioned over 1.4m lost adult education places

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:31:57 GMT

The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham, will this week face questions from adults who can no longer access education courses because of changes in government policy that have seen 1.4m adult education places vanish across the UK.

Lecturers to strike again at Epping Forest College in 'victimisation' row

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:40:38 GMT

Classes will be brought to a standstill at Epping Forest College again on 25 February as members of UCU go on strike for the second time in less than a fortnight in support of former local union rep Hugh Hobson.

Turner Prize winner among campaigners to save ceramics department at University of Westminster

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:35:11 GMT

Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry is among leading lights in the arts world who have attacked the University of Westminster over controversial plans to close its worldrenowned ceramics department.

UCU responds to Denham speech on future of higher education

Wed, 12 May 2010 15:17:16 GMT

UCU said today that a more flexible approach to higher education was to be welcomed. However, the union said the government was wrong to suggest that variable topup fees had been a success and warned against a higher education system that focussed on merely getting students a qualification.

UCU responds to tackling violent extremism guidance for colleges

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:39:31 GMT

Commenting on new guidance and a toolkit to deal with tackling violent extremism in UK colleges, UCU said today that it was pleased the government had taken a number of its concerns on board. But it warned there was no getting away from the fact that the emphasis on Muslim students would damage key work on community cohesion.

UCU welcomes posts saved at Plymouth University, but warns on 'unrealistic workloads'

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:18:15 GMT

UCU today welcomed the decision by the University of Plymouth to save key academic jobs.

UCU responds to university application figures

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:02:18 GMT

UCU said today that students and universities needed proper government support if the country was to deliver high quality higher education to all those with the ability to benefit from it. The union also called on the government to lift its recent cap on student numbers.

Oxford Brookes row over staff forced to defy police advice on travel

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:23:42 GMT

The university's 'Love and Justice' month has also been dismissed as an illtimed gimmick.

Reading University slammed over plans to axe 'vital' department

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:10:45 GMT

Reading University is under fire over plans to axe its School of Health and Social Care. Critics have slammed moves to shut a department that produces social workers at a time when one in six social worker positions are unfilled.

UCU responds to graduate job market survey

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:40:33 GMT

UCU said today that the fact new and recent graduates are competing in the most competitive graduate job market for years, saddled with record levels of debt, was a sad indictment of the government's student funding policy.

Strike at Epping Forest College in 'victimisation' row

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:38:23 GMT

Classes will be brought to a standstill at Epping Forest College on Friday 13 February, as members of UCU go on strike in support of former local union rep Hugh Hobson.

City University protests over secret privatisation deal

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:25:19 GMT

UCU today urged City University to abandon plans to privatise the recruitment, teaching and accommodation of international students.

Park Lane College slammed for penalising staff who refused to defy police travel advice

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:33:54 GMT

Park Lane College in Leeds has been accused of putting the health and safety of its staff and the local population at risk. UCU has reacted angrily to the news that staff who refused to travel to work earlier this week in treacherous conditions will lose a day's annual leave.

Strikes at nine further education colleges in pay row

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:53:45 GMT

Nine colleges across the country will be brought to a standstill today in a row over their failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

Somerset College slammed for forcing staff to travel to work in dangerous conditions

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:00:24 GMT

Somerset College has been accused of putting the health and safety of its staff and the local population at risk today.

Concerns over drop in parttime students

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:25:47 GMT

UCU said today that it was particularly concerned by a drop in the number of parttime students at university.

Targeted investment needed to improve UK's basic skills, says UCU

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:47:04 GMT

UCU today urged the government to allocate funding for basic skills to the areas that need it most.

Strike date set at 11 further education colleges in pay row

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:21:57 GMT

Eleven colleges across the country will be brought to a standstill on Thursday 5 February in a row over their failure to honour a pay deal agreed over four years ago.

Row over £2.5million swimming pool plans from jobcutting university

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:51:21 GMT

UCU today slammed plans from Plymouth University to splurge £2.5 million on improvements to a local swimming pool, as it considers compulsory redundancies among key academic staff.

Concerns over secret privatisation deal at City University

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:24:28 GMT

UCU today slammed privatisation proposals at City University. The union said the plans to privatise the recruitment, teaching and accommodation of international students had been pulled together without proper consultation and warned the University would be 'gambling with its reputation' if it went ahead with a joint venture with the firm INTO.

UCU welcomes select committee report on importance of lifelong learning

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:33:23 GMT

UCU today welcomed calls from an influential parliamentary committee to support colleges delivering relevant training to individuals and communities likely to be worst hit by the economic downturn.

Support for colleges and relevant training key to social mobility in tough times, says UCU

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:58:16 GMT

UCU said today that the government should be commended for its plans to try and improve social mobility through the power of education.

Resounding 'yes' for strike action at 'IOU' colleges

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:37:11 GMT

Eleven colleges across the country may be brought to a standstill over their failure to award staff a pay deal agreed four years ago.

UCU responds to higher education staff report

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:11:09 GMT

UCU today accused the Universities and Colleges Employers' Association (UCEA) of disingenuously taking credit for improved pay in the higher education sector.

UCU statement on Gaza and details on how to donate to aid relief

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 12:12:51 GMT

UCU today called for an immediate ceasefire to the violence in Gaza and urged Israel to open up the borders to Gaza to allow emergency aid through. In its statement the union made particular reference to the attacks on educational establishments and the damage it believes that will do in the search for a lasting peace. UCU condemned the Hamas rocket attacks, but described the Israeli response as disproportionate.

Government must fully fund RAE results, says UCU

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:44:01 GMT

UCU said today that academic and academicrelated staff were to be congratulated for their hard work following the publication of the RAE results.

Legal doubts over London University 'gagging' letter

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:54:12 GMT

UCU said today that it was investigating claims of gagging orders at the University of East London (UEL) and warned the institution it risked further damaging its reputation.

Greater transparency required for equality in higher education, says UCU

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:12:14 GMT

UCU today welcomed the Equality Challenge Unit's 'Equality in Higher Education' report, but said that greater transparency was needed across the higher education sector to ensure that equality of pay and opportunity is fair and is seen to be fair.

UCU Scotland welcomes increased funding for student support

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:11:11 GMT

UCU Scotland welcomes the proposals to increase student support for Scottish students set out in the consultation released today. However, the funding for the proposals is limited to £30 million and the consultation is forcing respondents to decide how best to spend this money.

Staff slam privatisation plans at Queen's University Belfast

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:14:27 GMT

Staff at Queen's University Belfast have delivered a damning verdict on management proposals to privatise the recruitment and teaching of international students.

Stress levels in higher education way above recommended levels

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:27:39 GMT

A damning report on UK universities reveals today the levels of stress in higher education are considerably worse than recommendations from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

UCU refutes claims it has 'dropped boycott motion'

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:06:50 GMT

Responding to claims today that UCU has dropped a proposed boycott of Israeli academics, the union said there was never a boycott motion passed at its Congress and its position on Motion 25 had not changed.

'IOU' colleges balloted for strike action in new campaign

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:14:45 GMT

Eleven colleges across the country could be brought to a standstill over their failure to award staff a pay deal agreed four years ago.

Further education staff and prison educators suffer aboveaverage stress

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:53:15 GMT

A survey of 3,000 further education staff has found their stress levels exceed the averages for British workers on seven key measures.

Financial review 'missed opportunity' to properly scrutinise higher education's financial health, says UCU

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:22:47 GMT

UCU said today that a review into the financial health of higher education was a missed opportunity to properly scrutinise the sector's finances.

Universities who 'opt out' of national pay rises will face industrial action, warns UCU

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:09:14 GMT

UCU warned today that universities risked unnecessarily provoking serious industrial unrest in 2009 if they took up the employers' association invitation to opt out of national pay bargaining arrangements.

Better communication key to resolving devolved problems in higher education says UCU

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 16:14:08 GMT

UCU said today that the devolved bodies needed to work closer together to iron out complexities in higher education brought about by devolution.

Investment in skills needed to tackle recession, says UCU in response to Queen's speech

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:57:50 GMT

UCU said today that further education should be at the heart of tackling the recession as people seek to refresh skills as they seek employment.

Rejected English company to try its luck in Northern Ireland

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:03:58 GMT

UCU today urged Queen's University Belfast to reject a joint venture with the private education company INTO University Partnerships.

UCU response to cash crisis for 100,000 college students

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:46:20 GMT

UCU today said the government's top priority had to be getting money to the 100,000 students still awaiting support payments nearly three months after they were due.

UCU day of action to tackle scandal of education casualisation

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:56:24 GMT

Staff at a host of universities and further education colleges will be able to check their rights at legal surgeries across the UK today as part of a day of action against casualisation in post16 education organised by UCU.

Union fears over bullying culture prompts survey at Aberystwyth University

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:45:56 GMT

UCU at Aberystwyth University today announced it is running an institutionwide survey of all academic and professional/managerial staff. The union says it is concerned about the rising number of complaints of bullying and is determined to tackle the root of the problem.

UCU and NUT statement on the BNP

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:46:19 GMT

The policies and positions of the BNP are incompatible with the ethos and values of teaching. Racism and fascism are the antithesis of the aims of education which strives for the liberation of every learner's potential, irrespective of age, class, gender, disability, sexual orientation, race or religion.

Disharmony at work says survey on day of bullying conference

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:11:21 GMT

On the eve of a central London bullying conference UCU today reveals that a culture of bullying and personal harassment in higher education is creating discord between work colleagues who complain of strained working relationships.

UCU responds to reform report on higher education

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:19:09 GMT

Responding to The Mobile Economy report from think tank Reform, UCU said today that the report's proposals would be bad for students and bad for the country.

UCU responds to NUS/HSBC student survey

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:35:31 GMT

UCU said today that it welcomed a survey from the National Union of Students (NUS) and HSBC bank that reveals the majority of students highly rate the quality of teaching they receive at university.

An alternative people's summit on the economic crisis

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:48:30 GMT

Trade union activists in London will be calling for a united campaign to save jobs, defend living standards and oppose war on Monday (24 November) from 7pm.

UCU responds to new university plans

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 11:56:38 GMT

UCU said today it welcomed plans to open up higher education to more of the population, but warned that contradictory government funding policy and the high price of studying could severely limit many people's choice of degree.

Trade dispute suspended at South Birmingham College

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:21:02 GMT

UCU today suspended a trade dispute at South Birmingham College (SBC) after the principal, Mike Hopkins, assured the union that no unannounced classroom observations will take place.

UCU Scotland condemns lack of taskforce consultation

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:59:01 GMT

UCU Scotland says the Scottish government's Higher Education Taskforce final report has made a mockery of the proposed consultation process as six months of consideration of the interim report has led to one minor change.

Strike threat at South Birmingham College over observation row

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:34:20 GMT

UCU today declared a dispute at South Birmingham College (SBC) after college bosses were accused of trying to force through unannounced lesson observations.

People before profit London protest on the eve of Washington summit

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:57:13 GMT

Members of UCU's London Region, supported by other London trade unions, will this evening be protesting outside HM Treasury calling on the government to put people before profit.

LGBT 'campaigning for legislation and liberation' conference in London on Saturday

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:57:23 GMT

Key equality campaigners are amongst the speakers at a 'campaigning for legislation and liberation' conference being hosted by UCU on Saturday.

UCU says government's 'Higher Education Debate' needs proper debate

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:58:45 GMT

UCU said today that the government's future of higher education debate needed input from people on the front line if it was to have any genuine credibility.

Nottingham Trent staff threat of sanctions on day university celebrates first chancellor

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:52:46 GMT

UCU members at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) will today be lobbying a ceremony at the city's Royal Concert Hall to commemorate the installation of Sir Michael Parkinson as the university's first chancellor.

Research proves adult education vital during credit crunch

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:00:42 GMT

New research proves adult education is more vital than ever, says UCU, as statistics show the credit crunch is motivating millions to upgrade their skills.

UCU to push ahead with HE pay claim

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:00:11 GMT

Following a conference in central London on Friday afternoon UCU said today that it will be submitting its 200910 higher education pay claim by the end of the year.

UCU opposes new 'spying' proposals

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:38:28 GMT

UCU said today that new proposals for staff to monitor foreign students risked jeopardising the crucial relationship between students and staff.

UCU names universities with biggest bullying problems

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 10:26:41 GMT

UCU today names and shames the universities with the worst reported levels of bullying, ahead of Friday's national Ban Bullying at Work Day.

UCU calls for rethink on offender learning

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:31:34 GMT

UCU has called for a complete rethink of the way in which offender learning is delivered in UK prisons.

'INTO' privatisation rejected by 94% of voters at Goldsmiths College

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:13:26 GMT

Staff and students at Goldsmiths College have issued a resounding rejection of proposals to privatise the recruitment and teaching of international students.

10% of students to lose out on grants next year

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:21:07 GMT

The government's statement that 'everyone with talent and ambition to enter higher education should be able to benefit from the opportunity' is clearly not borne out by their announcement today.

Scotland's democracy depends on its universities, says lecturers' leader

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:24:23 GMT

The future of Scotland's universities is central to a serious public conversation about the nation's future in the wake of the global economic crisis, a lecturer's leader has claimed.

University staff object to involvement in Academy Schools

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:12:14 GMT

Staff at the universities of Brighton and Sussex are in restive mood about the involvement of their institutions in the proposed Falmer Academy.

Dyslexic students lose out as more than 50% of staff resign over contract row

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:14:20 GMT

An esteemed support service for hundreds of dyslexic college students is set to lose more than half of its staff after the deadline passed for them to sign up to inferior contracts or face dismissal.

UCU sponsors LGBT conference

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:20:57 GMT

UCU is to sponsor the largest gathering of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) research in the UK, which is being held next month.

Parky and the university strike row

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:15:32 GMT

UCU said today that it has written to Sir Michael Parkinson, CBE, to ask him to intervene in the current row at Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

Nottingham Trent University hit by strike action

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:17 GMT

Members of UCU at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) took strike action today in an ongoing row over union recognition.

Latest increase preserves value of HE pay

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:46:35 GMT

UCU today said that the announcement of a retail price index (RPI) of 5% for October represented a good deal for staff in higher education.

College lecturers vote to accept 3.2% pay offer

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:58:32 GMT

In a ballot that closed today, college lecturers in England have overwhelmingly voted to accept a 3.2% pay offer for this academic year.

UCU comment on World University Rankings 2008

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:37:12 GMT

UCU today said the proud international reputation of UK higher education was at risk if funding continued to remain below the levels enjoyed by key competitor countries.

UCU welcomes Essex University's decision to reject private firm

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:41:30 GMT

UCU today welcomed the news that Essex University will not be proceeding with a joint venture with INTO or any other private provider.

Nottingham city centre protest

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:15:00 GMT

Hundreds of UCU members from all around the country made clear their opposition to Nottingham Trent University's plans to derecognise the union and cut facility time for union reps in a protest in the city centre today.

Nottingham Trent University national protest rally

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 08:59:45 GMT

UCU members from around the country will be joining their colleagues at Nottingham Trent University today as part of a protest at the university's plans to derecognise the union and cut facility time for union reps.

UCU calls on chair of governors to resign over London university sacking row

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:38:40 GMT

Members of UCU at the University of East London (UEL) today issued a vote of no confidence in Jim McKenna, the university's chair of governors, and called on him to resign.

Campaign launch in defence of adult education

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:42:26 GMT

Following the loss of 1.5 million learner places in the past two years, a new campaign to defend adult education will be launched today.

Oxford chancellor's call for higher fees is at odds with general public's view, says UCU

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:44:30 GMT

UCU today rejected the call from Oxford University chancellor, Lord Patten, to relax the current £3,000ayear cap on university tuition fees.

Row over media ban at Nottingham Trent University

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:32:45 GMT

UCU said today it was disappointed that Nottingham Trent University (NTU) refused members of the press permission to enter its Clifton Campus yesterday afternoon.

New negotiating body lacks credibility, says UCU

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:29:19 GMT

A proposed 'reformed' national negotiating body for higher education pay got off to a faltering start today at its inaugural meeting.

Nottingham Trent lecturers vote for strike action

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:33:49 GMT

Members of UCU at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over an ongoing row about union recognition and plans to cut facility time for union reps.

UCU welcomes government aim to widen scope for university admissions

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:14:07 GMT

UCU today welcomed news that the government wants to extend the opportunities for potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

UCU comment on age discrimination ruling

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:13:12 GMT

UCU today commented on today's rejection by the advocategeneral in the European court of justice in Luxembourg of the claim by Age Concern that compelling people to stop work at or after 65 without compensation breaches EU equality requirements.

Special FE sector conference recommends members accept pay offer

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:23:09 GMT

A well attended delegate conference held on 20 September agreed to recommend that members accept the 2008/9 AOC pay offer of 3.2% from 1 October 2008. A ballot of all members will open on 29 September for two weeks.

Tuition fee rise risks haemorrhaging of votes says poll

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:20:01 GMT

The Labour Party could lose general election votes if it raises university tuition fees, warns a poll conducted for UCU by YouGov and released today (Friday) on the eve of the Labour Party conference in Manchester.

Financial mismanagement to blame for Plymouth job cuts, says UCU

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:21:06 GMT

UCU today blamed financial mismanagement at the University of Plymouth for the announcement of over 100 academic staff redundancies.

National university bursary scheme required to replace failing system, says UCU

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:18:14 GMT

UCU today reiterated calls for a national bursary scheme for students. The union said the inequity highlighted in a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) of the current scheme made the case for a national scheme and served as a warning against trying to introduce market forces in to higher education.

Lecturers' hard work recognised in national survey

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:21:13 GMT

UCU today welcomed the positive results of the fourth National Student Survey (NSS). The survey of nearly 220,000 students revealed that over four fifths of students (83%) were happy with the teaching on their course and 82% were satisfied overall both statistics an increase on the 2007 survey.

Back prison educators, says UCU

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:04:26 GMT

UCU said today that people needed to have faith in the prison service and that can only be achieved with proper support for the people who educate offenders.

TUC backs antituition fee call

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:04:56 GMT

UCU said today that the TUC's rejection of university topup fees was a stark warning to universities and politicians looking to exacerbate student debt. The union said the support from the trade union movement was vital ahead of next year's student funding review.

Government must stop insulting public sector workers, says UCU

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:25:04 GMT

UCU said today that the government had to listen to public sector workers. UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said ministers had to stop seeing public sector workers as a 'problem to be solved rather than an asset to be treasured'.

Nottingham Trent University in strike call

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:24:56 GMT

Members of UCU at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) are set to vote on strike action in on ongoing row over union recognition.

Forprofit universities will lead to success being measured by overpricing, warns UCU

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:25:53 GMT

UCU warned today that an increase in forprofit universities would see successful institutions of the future would be measured by how much they could overcharge to provide the cheapest service.

Keele University verdict is warning to all institutions that they cannot ignore the rules, says UCU

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:33:14 GMT

UCU said today that a key ruling on university rules sent a clear message to all institutions that they cannot ride roughshod over regulation and warned any that do that they can expect to feel the full force of the union.

UCU backs NUS report that shows higher education 'creaking under the pressure of market forces'

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:34:30 GMT

UCU today welcomed a report from the National Union of Students (NUS) that highlights the unfairness and lack of sustainability in the current university funding system.

College lecturers to take industrial action to defend educational quality and professional standards

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:19:26 GMT

Lecturers at a further education college in north Wales have voted to take industrial action to defend the quality of the education students receive and to protect their professional teaching standards.

Coventry University strike call

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:27:10 GMT

Members of UCU at Coventry University are set to vote on strike action in on ongoing row over pay and conditions.

Bournemouth University slammed over remarking of exams

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:20:23 GMT

UCU today hailed a tribunal victory for a former Bournemouth University professor as a warning to managers in all UK universities and colleges to respect the correct procedures.

Bishop Auckland College signals intention to dismiss all teaching staff

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:13:33 GMT

The management of Bishop Auckland College have issued notice of their intention to dismiss all staff who are not prepared to accept new terms and conditions of employment.

UCU comments on Alevel results

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:59:36 GMT

UCU's general secretary has today responded to this year's Alevel results.

Generation debt's financial problems only just beginning, warns UCU

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:54:54 GMT

Students are seriously underestimating the basic costs of living at a time when student debt is reaching record highs, according to two surveys released today that will make grim reading for students about to embark on their university careers.

UCU response to topup fees report

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:12:18 GMT

UCU today warned universities and government not to use a report on the impact of university topup fees to claim their introduction has been a success.

UCU comments on graduate unemployment figures

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 21:13:04 GMT

UCU said today that figures showing above average unemployment of graduates should not put potential students off applying to university and argued that the university experience should not be reduced to employment status six months after graduation.

UCU response to new immigration rules for international students

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:56:56 GMT

Responding to new immigration rules for foreign students, UCU today welcomed plans to clamp down on bogus higher education institutions, but warned that new rules on monitoring students risk forcing academic staff to police their students and thereby damage their professional relationship with students.

Protests and strike action at University of Wales over job losses

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:56:55 GMT

Staff at the University of Wales, Lampeter, are protesting today over proposed job cuts. The protestors also warned that if the University does not halt plans for compulsory redundancies they will be forced to consider strike action.

Under fire university hit with race and gender equality probe

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:51:41 GMT

Coventry University has today been asked to prove that it is not breaking the law over its controversial new proposals to alter its pay and conditions for staff.

Free education should not be the preserve of the military, says UCU

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:01:28 GMT

UCU today welcomed news that free university tuition fees would be paid by the government for exservicemen and women after at least six years of service. Although the union said it was pleased the government had recognised the prohibitive nature of the current funding arrangements, it questioned why the government was freeing some people from the cost yet still burdening thousands of others.

UCU responds to university admission procedures report

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:06:21 GMT

UCU today expressed concerns about extra burdens on staff in response to the Universities UK report on university admission procedures.

Union response to graduate employment figures

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:51:54 GMT

UCU today welcomed the overall positive picture of graduate employability, but warned the figures should be treated with caution by students or parents searching for information on longterm career prospects.

Concern over reoffending as Lewisham College ditches Belmarsh prison education

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:46:21 GMT

Lewisham College is to abandon the prison education and training courses which it operates at Belmarsh and Brixton prisons.

More action needed to increase participation, says UCU

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:48:25 GMT

UCU Scotland today expressed its concern over the low levels of applicants to Scottish universities. Figures on university applications revealed an increase in Scottish applicants of just 2.7% half of that in Wales (4.9%) and a quarter of that for England (11%)

Government should do more to promote community cohesion through English language provision

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:44:37 GMT

UCU today responded to the Communities and Local Government Committee's community cohesion and migration report.

Royal National College for the Blind 'insulted and degraded' staff

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:15:14 GMT

Teachers at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) say they need union protection because of aggressive management at the college.

Coventry University faces industrial action in pay row

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:16:59 GMT

Lecturers at Coventry University warned today that they may take strike action over an ongoing row about grading structures and performance related pay.

Nottingham Trent University faces strike action in union row

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:55:18 GMT

Lecturers at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) warned today that they may take strike action over an ongoing row about how the university negotiates with the branch.

UCU warns government not to misrepresent graduate employment 'benefits'

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 11:12:55 GMT

UCU warned today that figures on graduate employment and salaries should not be used by the government to suggest that a degree is the path to guaranteed job security or better pay.

UCU calls for greater staff involvement in university climate efforts

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:25:25 GMT

UCU today congratulated universities doing the most to combat climate change but urged all universities to step up the involvement of staff and students in their efforts.

Lecturers at North East Wales Institute to hold strike ballot after management bullying failures

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:46:17 GMT

Lecturers at North East Wales Institute of Higher Education (NEWI) yesterday agreed to ballot on possible strike action after the institute's failure to tackle the bullying of staff.

Problems at Royal College for the Blind 'masked by Paralympics celebration'

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:45:09 GMT

The nomination of Hereford Royal National College for the Blind as one of the sites for the 2012 Paralympics has been received somewhat sceptically by UCU. While this should be a real mark of success, says UCU, the accompanying celebration masks some serious problems at the college.

UCU Scotland condemns Taskforce report

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:18:24 GMT

The Scottish Government's Higher Education Taskforce is in danger of consigning years of collaborative working on how to enhance the reputation and proven record of the country's universities to oblivion, UCU Scotland has warned. And removing the current funding levers that place a range of obligations on principals will have serious consequences warns UCU Scotland.

90% of Essex University staff oppose privatisation plan

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:20:53 GMT

Staff at Essex University have delivered a massive rejection of the university's plans to set up a joint venture to teach students with private company INTO.

HE pay improvements are despite best efforts of employers, says UCU

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:09:16 GMT

Responding to two reports released today by the employers' association, the universities and Colleges Employers' Association (UCEA), UCU said staff in our universities deserved recognition and reward for their hard work.

Academics ask first minister to protect their rights at Stirling University

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:58:23 GMT

UCU Scotland has made an unprecedented appeal to first minister, Alex Salmond and Lord Advocate, Elish Angiolini, to reject a planned proposal from the University of Stirling which would undermine the rights of academic staff in relation to redundancies, dismissals and rights of appeal.

Government arrogant and contradictory on ELQs, says UCU

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:22:09 GMT

The government's response to a highly critical parliamentary committee report on cuts in funding for secondtime higher education students was arrogant and contradictory, UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said today.

Keele University greylisting suspended as union strikes deal

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:22:41 GMT

UCU today announced that it has reached an interim agreement with Keele University over the current dispute involving the School of Economic and Management Studies (SEMS) and the Centre for Health Planning and Management (CHPM).

Union accuses 'educational liquidators' of ruining Sandwell College in row over job cuts

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:01:46 GMT

UCU said today that Sandwell College will face probable strike action if it does not reverse plans to axe GCSE and Alevel courses. Up to 40 jobs are at risk under management plans to stop all GCSE and Alevel courses and close the electrical engineering department.

Don't blame us for your own shortcomings, UCU tells ministers

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:29:53 GMT

Sally Hunt, general secretary of the UCU, will this afternoon launch a stinging attack on the private sector's involvement in public services and warn the government not to use trade union attacks on their policies as a reason for recent poor showings in the polls.

Union fighting plans to axe half of Liverpool Hope computing department

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:27:37 GMT

UCU said today that it will be fighting compulsory redundancy in the computing department at Liverpool Hope University.

FE unions reject England pay offer

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:28:28 GMT

Negotiators from the six further education trade unions, ACM, ATL, GMB, UCU, Unison, Unite representing 250,000 staff have rejected an offer from the employers' organisation, the Association of Colleges.

Friday the Thirteenth could see international boycott of Keele University

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:26:14 GMT

Keele University has one week to avoid the ignominy of becoming the first university to receive an academic boycott from UCU.

UCU wins landmark fixedterm employment tribunal

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:26:42 GMT

UCU has successfully won a permanent contract for a researcher at the University of Aberdeen who had been employed on a succession of fixedterm contracts for nine years.

Greater vision needed, says UCU Scotland

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:25:14 GMT

UCU Scotland today condemned the decline in the proportion of higher education students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Scotland, and called for greater vision and engagement from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to address the issue of broadening access.

More action needed if widening participation is to succeed in higher education, says UCU

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:25:43 GMT

UCU today welcomed the slight increase in the proportion of higher education students from disadvantaged backgrounds, but said more needs to be done to widen participation in the sector.

FE unions stage joint protest ahead of pay talks

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:23:59 GMT

Members from five further education trade unions: UNISON, UCU, GMB, UNITE, and the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) will today stage joint protests over pay at colleges across the country.

UCU welcomes millions for diploma teacher training

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:24:37 GMT

UCU today welcomed the announcement of an extra £81m to help teachers to prepare for the new diploma, which is to be introduced in some schools and colleges from September.

UCU members to debate academic freedom with Minister

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 10:56:52 GMT

Minister of State for Higher Education, Bill Rammell, will host a number of events across the country with audiences of UCU members debating academic freedom.

'Consultation and proper piloting of 1419 reforms please', schoolteachers and lecturers tell government.

Fri, 30 May 2008 08:23:53 GMT

Representatives of schoolteachers and college lecturers will today spell out their shared vision for the 1419 education sector and tell government 'if you want high quality education, ensure there is consultation and proper piloting of reforms please, and less competition not more'.

Lecturers demand new direction for government Adult Education policy

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:35:48 GMT

Lecturers roundly condemned the government's adult education policy this week amidst further news of course closures.

College lecturers pledge industrial action campaign over pay

Thu, 29 May 2008 14:26:19 GMT

College lecturers belonging to UCU have voted unanimously for more industrial action in June and the start of the next term if employers don't considerably improve their 2.5% pay offer.

UCU warns universities to pay up or face strike action

Thu, 29 May 2008 10:19:23 GMT

UCU this morning warned universities that if they didn't honour the third year of the national pay deal they would face the full force of the national union.

UCU delegates vote for international solidarity

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:17:56 GMT

Delegates at UCU Congress this afternoon reaffirmed their commitment to helping international colleagues denied the freedoms they enjoy.

Government policy contradictions highlight lack of joinedup thinking, says UCU president

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:25:53 GMT

Linda Newman, outgoing president of UCU, told delegates at the union's annual congress today that contradictory government policy exposed problems at the heart of government.

Colleges and universities to be 'named and shamed' for failing to tackle discrimination

Wed, 28 May 2008 13:11:32 GMT

Lecturers have agreed to 'name and shame' any universities and colleges which fail to implement antidiscrimination law.

Higher fees will damage education, union leader to tell conference

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:08:58 GMT

Opening day speech at UCU's annual Congress slams market in education and addresses UCU's role in international affairs

Rising class sizes but more time spent on admin than students or research life as a 21st century lecturer

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:49:38 GMT

Dealing with 100250 emails a week, spending over half your time on administration, coping with rising seminar and lecture sizes, but spending less time with students. That's life as a 21st century university lecturer according to survey results released today by UCU.

UCU responds to IQ and social class report

Fri, 23 May 2008 13:31:13 GMT

UCU today said that everyone involved in higher education had more to do to ensure everyone in society could maximise their potential.

College lecturers will strike in London unless pay offer improves

Wed, 21 May 2008 10:41:53 GMT

College lecturers in London will take strike action on Monday 9 June unless their employers improve a pay offer of 2.5% for 200809. And lecturers throughout England are stepping up industrial action, which may be intensified at the start of term in the autumn.

Privatisation threatens UK's reputation for education excellence, warns union

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:33:02 GMT

The fastest growing privatisation in Europe is threatening the UK's proud international reputation for educational excellence, warns the world's largest post16 education union today.

People's lawyer and 24/7 tutor big winners in Life Changers awards

Thu, 15 May 2008 11:37:56 GMT

A political refugee from Strathclyde who established law clinics to provide legal advice for people with nowhere else to turn and a tutor from Stoke on Trent who works all hours to meet the needs of her students were the big winners at the UCU's Life Changers awards last night.

Government must tackle the failure of a third of employers to provide any training

Thu, 15 May 2008 09:35:44 GMT

UCU commented today on the prime minister's legislative programme, including a new Education and Skills Bill

Private company pulls the plug on prison education in face of financial loss

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:23:00 GMT

A private company that took charge of education and training in eight Kent prisons has terminated its contract a year early in the face of a hefty financial loss.

Flawed finances used to justify redundancies, say Northampton University lecturers

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:14:04 GMT

Lecturers at Northampton University today warned that they would fight any job cuts in the history department and called the financial reasoning behind the proposed redundancies 'flawed'.

Huddersfield students set to lose out in Alevel cull

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:45:17 GMT

Over a hundred Huddersfield students are set to lose out after a college announced it will axe 16 Alevel courses because it cannot meet new government targets on pass rates.

UCU publishes motions for union's annual congress

Thu, 08 May 2008 08:48:36 GMT

Pay, academic freedom, the purpose of education, fighting against privatisation and combating climate change are just some of the topics to be debated by UCU further and higher education members at the annual UCU Congress later this month.

Unions reject FE pay offer

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:29:23 GMT

The six further education unions representing 250,000 members have today rejected the employers (Association of Colleges) pay offer of 2.5%.

Petition against job cuts at Lancaster University

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:02:57 GMT

UCU's branch at Lancaster University has launched a petition against job threats in continuing education resulting from the government's shortsighted cuts in 'ELQ' student funding and local management's hasty, unstructured, response.

Breakthrough in Wales after FE strike

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:29:56 GMT

UCU FE members in Wales have won written confirmation from the Welsh Assembly Government that the national pay scales and parity with teachers will be maintained after taking strike action on 16 April.

College lecturers walk out across England

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:24:45 GMT

There was widespread disruption in colleges throughout England today as lecturers went on strike to demand a 6% pay increase to bring their pay up to the level of schoolteachers' pay and keep up with price rises.

UCU responds to university applications figures

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:49:01 GMT

UCU said today that any increase in university applications was to be welcomed, but that the real challenge is to deliver an increase in students from the poorest backgrounds not only applying to university but going on to complete their degrees.

Fighting FE's corner in media obsession with schools

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:37:34 GMT

A quick riposte was sent to the Guardian when the coverage of FE was subbed out of Monday's story on the forthcoming industrial action.

College staff dissatisfaction rife as lecturers set to strike

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:35:30 GMT

An independent report out today on college staff satisfaction reveals a dedicated workforce deeply dissatisfied with their treatment and under lots of pressure.

Statement on Aamar Anwar and free speech

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:39:13 GMT

Terry Brotherstone, president UCU Scotland, has today issued a statement on Aamer Anwar, a solicitor accused of contempt of court over public statements made after the conviction of his client.

UCU repeats warning of need for diploma teacher preparation

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:56:27 GMT

UCU has responded to reports today of concerns about the delivery of the government's new diplomas.

Wales FE lecturers to strike on 16 April

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:19:41 GMT

Lecturers in every Welsh FE college will strike for one day on Wednesday 16 April.

College lecturers vote to strike on pay

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 12:26:09 GMT

College lecturers in England have voted to strike on Thursday 24 April in support of a demand to bring their pay up to that of schoolteachers.

UCU warns against greater business influence in university degrees

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:37:30 GMT

UCU today warned against allowing business too great an influence over the content and design of university courses.

UCU welcomes report on higher education's financial health

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:11:01 GMT

UCU today welcomed a report from the higher education statistics agency (HESA) that revealed a financially buoyant higher education sector.

UCU responds to government speech on university admissions

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:41:22 GMT

UCU said today that attempts to attract more students from poorer backgrounds were to be applauded, but the government had to recognise that a punitive financial system remained the biggest barrier to participation.

Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the NUT

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:42:55 GMT

Sally Hunt, UCU general secretary, expressed deep sadness today at the death of Steve Sinnott, general secretary of the National Union of Teachers.

Employers warned after college fined for acid explosion injury

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:58:30 GMT

Colleges and universities have been told to tighten their health and safety procedures or expect prosecutions, after an incident in which a lecturer was badly injured by concentrated acid.

'Unaccountable' salaries of university heads on the agenda at Scotland Congress

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:45:28 GMT

UCU Scotland Congress, taking place today, will include debate on the 'huge unaccountable' salaries awarded to university principals, and the pay and conditions for staff.

UCU responds to higher tuition fees report

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:56:01 GMT

Responding to a report by the Higher Education Policy Institute, UCU has warned that whatever method was used to increase student contributions to the cost of higher education, widening participation was likely to suffer.

Keele University national protest rally

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:27:18 GMT

Members of UCU from around the country will be joining their colleagues at Keele University today as part of a protest at the university's plans which have left 38 staff facing redundancy.

Bournemouth University staff deliver vote of no confidence in 'Ratner' vicechancellor

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:26:33 GMT

Staff at Bournemouth University have delivered a damning vote of no confidence in vicechancellor Professor Paul Curran.

UCU welcomes NUT decision to strike on pay

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:29:41 GMT

UCU has welcomed the news that members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) have voted in favour of strike action on 24 April in pursuance of their pay demand.

UCU warns community cohesion cannot happen without English classes for migrants

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:21:47 GMT

UCU has told the Communities and Local Government (CLG) select committee that laudable government aims to lift migrant workers out of poverty and to deliver its community cohesion strategy would not happen unless appropriate funding is found.

Still time for FE lecturers to join the Institute for Learning

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:16:48 GMT

The initial target date by which all further education college lecturers in England were urged to register as members of the Institute for Learning, the professional body for teachers and trainers in the learning and skills sector, was 31 March 2008.

UCU responds to 1419 qualifications strategy

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:03 GMT

UCU welcomed today's proposed new rationalised qualifications strategy for 1419 yearolds but urged that there needs to be some flexibility within the system and that it should be inclusive.

Glasgow 'April Fools' rally against university privatisation

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:47:38 GMT

Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University will be protesting on April Fool's Day as part of their campaign to keep the private firm, INTO, out of the University.

Four million learners join UCU campaign for a better deal

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:21:18 GMT

As UCU's FE members vote on whether to take action on pay, the union received a massive boost with the news that the National Union of Students (NUS) is supporting the 'our colleges, our communities' campaign.

'Shiny new green college buildings must contain a green curriculum' UCU

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:58:28 GMT

UCU today welcomed the government's announcement of energy efficient new college buildings.

UCU responds to static student participation rates

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:02:00 GMT

With latest student participation numbers for England showing less than a one percentage point increase in the last eight years, UCU today warned the government against slapping itself on the back over the figures.

Government must scrap degree funding changes following parliamentary report, says UCU

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 09:59:31 GMT

UCU said today that controversial government plans to axe degree funding for a huge swathe of higher education students must now be scrapped.

Downturn in young potential students should be used to improve staffing and open up other opportunities, says UCU

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:11:34 GMT

UCU today responded to a UUK report which reveals that demographic changes may reduce the number of UK 1820 year olds applying to UK universities between now and 2019.

Funding increases should stop redundancies

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 09:08:23 GMT

Funding increases for Scottish universities announced today mean that there is no need to rush into redundancy threats, said UCU today.

UCU seeking details of fallout from Carter & Carter collapse

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:02:35 GMT

Thirty colleges are owed money as a result of the collapse of the private training provider Carter & Carter, according to the latest media reports.

Further education lecturers ballot for better deal

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:25:59 GMT

UCU today began balloting members in further education colleges in England on possible industrial action in pursuit of a pay claim for a 6% increase or £1,500, whichever is the greater.

VCs' pay needs proper scrutiny says UCU

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:28:41 GMT

UCU said today that the results of a survey of vicechancellors' pay sent out the wrong message to staff.

Enforced retirement of leading feminist academic 'bad news for students and older workers'

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 18:31:58 GMT

UCU today joined the growing international uproar over the enforced retirement of Sheila Rowbotham, renowned feminist and historian, and currently professor at Manchester University.

'End marketisation of further education' call as private training provider collapses

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:03:52 GMT

UCU has called for an end to government efforts to bring a market into further education, after the collapse of training company Carter & Carter.

Raids on health training money must stop, say health educators

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:33:27 GMT

Medical professionals and educators have today warned that a failure to stop Strategic Health Authorities raiding money earmarked for health education and training will have a devastating effect on the UK's ability to train the next generation of nurses and key NHS health professionals.

Lecturers say diplomas must be made to work and win the respect of universities

Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:01:27 GMT

UCU today responded to a government announcement that greater academic value will be attached to diplomas by introducing an extended diploma in 2011.

Parttime lecturer wins right to equal training support

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:54:30 GMT

A lecturer at a further education college in Northern Ireland has won an employment tribunal ruling that she was treated unlawfully because her work is parttime.

Disabled college and university staff 'discriminated against'

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:07:24 GMT

UCU has welcomed the final report of The Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning, published today.

Unions join forces to get a better deal for education staff

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:49:12 GMT

UCU's campaign for a better deal for FE staff has received a major boost after the National Union of Teachers agreed to join forces as part of a wider campaign for all education staff.

College lecturers in Wales ballot for strike action over pay

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:31:04 GMT

UCU is to ballot members in all Welsh further education colleges for strike action and nonstrike sanctions in a dispute over pay with the Welsh college employers' organisation, fforwm.

UCU responds to Tory prison plans

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:49:44 GMT

UCU has this week responded to the Conservative's plans for prison reform.

UCU responds to new university towns plan

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:41:08 GMT

UCU today welcomed ideas to open up HE to more of the population but warned that contradictory government funding policy and the high price of studying could severely limit many people's choice of degree.

Parttime OU lecturers win health and safety rights

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 13:52:57 GMT

Parttime associate lecturers at the Open University have won new health and safety rights after representations by UCU union reps.

UCU says time to talk as members vote no to negotiation changes

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:32:11 GMT

UCU today called on university employers' representatives to come back to the negotiating table to resolve differences over the mechanics of future negotiating for staff pay and conditions.

UCU members vote to reject proposed changes to HE pay negotiations

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:42:32 GMT

Members of UCU have voted not to accept proposed changes to the way the union would negotiate future higher education pay deals.

UCU welcomes increase in female professors

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:44:55 GMT

UCU today commented on new figures that show a rise in the number of female professors.

UCU Scotland welcomes proposal of independent commission

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:55:22 GMT

UCU has today responded to calls for an independent commission on university funding in Scotland.

UCU warns over business influence in university curriculum

Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:14:50 GMT

UCU today said that the government needed to trust education experts, rather than allowing business to dictate funding policy for our universities.

Keele jobs fight continues with weekend protests

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:58:40 GMT

The battle to save jobs in Keele University's worldrenowned School of Economic and Management Studies (SEMS) continues with protests planned for Sunday's university visit day.

University staff are missing out on £880m a year in unpaid overtime

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 15:05:26 GMT

If university staff were paid for their unpaid overtime they would collect £877,794,850 per year, according to statistics issued today by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

UCU responds to student drop out report

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:23:48 GMT

UCU said today that increased support for pastoral care in universities is vital to encourage more students to stay on at university and complete their degree.

Cashstrapped universities must invest in substance, not style, warns UCU

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 16:09:52 GMT

Commenting on reports this morning that universities in financial difficulties are banking on money from increased student fees, UCU warned such a strategy was reckless considering that changes to the student funding regime, including higher fees in 2006, have not seen any improvement in attracting students from nontraditional backgrounds in to higher education.

Keele lecturers vote for strike action

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:53:52 GMT

Members of UCU at Keele University will be striking on Thursday 21 February after they voted overwhelmingly in favour of the action and 'action short of a strike' in their dispute with the University over job cuts.

UCU tells 'insulting' employers to stop interference in members' ballot

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 10:55:05 GMT

UCU today attacked the latest efforts from university heads to influence its current ballot on the future of pay negotiations.

Students' dreams dashed by unfit financial service

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:27:02 GMT

UCU said today it was not surprised a complex system of bursaries and grants and fears over debt were putting students from poor backgrounds off university. The union also warned that many students had to compromise or give up their dreams because they could not afford to move away to university to study their preferred course.

UCU responds to university applications figures

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:35:57 GMT

UCU today said changes in the way university applications are counted must not be used to mask little progress being made in applications from students from lower socioeconomic groups.

UCU responds to college guidelines on tackling violent extremism

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:29:24 GMT

Commenting on draft government guidelines to tackle potential violent extremism in UK colleges, UCU welcomed the fact that the document was still at the consultation stage and said it would contribute to the drafting process.

Supporting equal treatment for temporary and agency workers

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:02:32 GMT

UCU has joined the TUC by calling on the UK government to support a bill giving agency workers legal equal treatment rights at work, and save temporary workers from discrimination and illtreatment by rogue employment agencies.

New training for unemployed must be quality with a job at the end

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:47:47 GMT

UCU this week responded to the government's plans for a major expansion of apprenticeships and reforms of welfare policies to encourage the inactive to get new skills.

200809 FE pay claim backed by call for industrial action

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:39:24 GMT

UCU, with other unions in further education, has submitted a joint pay claim for 20089 calling for a 6% increase or £1500, whichever is the greater.

UCU responds to McDonald's gaining qualification awarding powers

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:27:39 GMT

UCU has responded to the news that McDonald's has been given official awarding body status to develop and award its own qualifications.

UCU says changes to university funding will cause confusion and instability

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 16:20:52 GMT

UCU today hit out at government plans to change the way university courses are funded.

Redundancies at Askham Bryan College

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 12:32:56 GMT

UCU members at a landbased college in Yorkshire have begun campaigning to save jobs after learning that the equivalent of ten fulltime posts are to be axed.

UCU branch organises Anne Frank exhibition at Northumbria University

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:32:38 GMT

UCU's branch at the University of Northumbria (UNN) has arranged for the 'Anne Frank A history for today' exhibition to be displayed at UNN for all of this week, in advance of Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday.

Complicated system blamed for £24m unspent student support money

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:36:13 GMT

UCU today said the 12,000 students who missed out on £19m worth of financial support were let down by an overcomplicated bursaries system.

Focus on underattainment by BME university students

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:15:10 GMT

UCU has welcomed a report out today which explores possible ways of tackling the underattainment of some ethnic minority students and women in higher education.

Reaction to government guidelines on tackling extremism in universities

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:59:08 GMT

UCU today said that while it recognised violent extremism was a serious issue the government wanted to tackle, it did not believe that again targeting universities or the Muslim community would help achieve the community cohesion the government wants to foster.

UCU responds to government 200809 HE funding letter

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:54:57 GMT

UCU today said it agreed with government ambitions to increase the number of students in our universities and to widen participation from groups traditionally excluded. However, the union said government plans at the expense of funding for students wishing to return to university (ELQ students) were not acceptable.

Protests planned for chancellor's speech in Keele University jobs row

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:19:00 GMT

UCU will be protesting at Keele University this evening as Keele University chancellor, Professor Sir David Weatherall, delivers a lecture on medicine.

Health and safety partnership sets new standard

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 12:32:21 GMT

Unions at the University of Leeds today signed a new partnership agreement with the university to promote and safeguard the health and safety of staff and students.

MPs probe government higher education funding changes

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 12:20:41 GMT

Opponents of proposed government changes to funding for higher education will today give evidence to a parliamentary inquiry into the proposals.

UCU comments on falling student numbers where topup fees are charged

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:04:27 GMT

The fall in the number of firstyear enrolments in England and Northern Ireland universities in 20062007, where variable tuition fees of up to £3,000 a year must now be paid by fulltime undergraduates, was more than just a coincidence UCU said today.

PM on university funding reveals foolish and contradictory policy, says UCU

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:34:23 GMT

UCU today said the prime minister's response to a question about funding changes for university degrees revealed the contradictory nature of the policy.

UCU welcomes government review on English language classes

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:09:45 GMT

UCU said today that the government's launch of a consultation on arrangements and funding for tuition of English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) was a welcome opportunity to rethink present arrangements.

UCU Scotland condemns university taskforce

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:03:55 GMT

UCU Scotland today condemned the lack of involvement of key stakeholders in the taskforce on universities.

College staff say 'no' to Scrooge employers' deal

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:35:23 GMT

UCU is delivering a Christmas card to the Association of Colleges protesting at a proposed pay offer the union described as 'unacceptable'.

Staff redundancy threat at Keele University over closure plans

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 10:19:50 GMT

Keele University's council has approved a plan to close most of the School of Economic and Management Studies' current programmes in management, economics and industrial relations and human resource management.

Academic freedom, free expression and whistleblowing

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:38:05 GMT

Views are being sought from UCU members on the issue of academic freedom and freedom of expression across UK further and higher education.

Selfregulation discussed by FE staff governors

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:32:36 GMT

Selfregulation was the theme of UCU's FE staff governors' conference which took place today.

UCU says joined up government is essential to translation services

Fri, 07 Dec 2007 11:52:43 GMT

UCU today called for joinedup government thinking on the issue of translation services. As communities secretary, Hazel Blears, published new guidance on translation for local councils 'placing greater emphasis on learning English', the union warned that government restrictions on English classes were the reason many people are still reliant on translation services.

Supporting a better deal for FE staff

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:31:29 GMT

After rejecting the pay offer for FE staff in England, UCU has launched a new campaign seeking a better deal for members which matches the rise in prices and the contribution they make to colleges.

UCU welcomes parliamentary probe into degree funding 'switch'

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:56:45 GMT

UCU today welcomed the announcement by the Innovation, Universities and Skills select committee that it is to conduct an inquiry into the government's decision to phase out support for students taking second qualifications of an equivalent or lower level (ELQs) to their first qualifications.

UCU welcomes release of trapped Gaza student

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:28:57 GMT

UCU today welcomed the release of Bradford University student Khaled alMudallal from Gaza. The Palestinian Business and Management student had been detained since July and unable to resume his degree, despite having a British residence permit valid until November 2010.

UCU responds to Oxbridge academies snub

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:35:43 GMT

UCU today responded to reports that Oxford and Cambridge universities have turned down government attempts to persuade them to adopt the controversial academy programme.

UCU responds to HE minister speech on academic freedom

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:30:30 GMT

Responding to higher education minister Bill Rammell's lecture 'Academic freedom in the 21st century' at a Fabian Society event this evening, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said that academics welcomed the government calling for debate instead of issuing diktats.

Fewer than 4% of new academic research jobs are permanent, says report

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:38:02 GMT

A survey of currently advertised research jobs in UK universities by UCU shows that casualised shortterm contracts remain the norm for staff beginning their careers with 96.5% of the posts being fixedterm.

UCU, students and VCs protest over funding change

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:16:48 GMT

In a letter in today's Guardian UCU, NUS and 26 heads of HE institutions protest against the cuts in funding for HE students studying for qualifications equivalent to, or lower than, qualifications for which they have previously received an award.

UCU comments on Scottish spending review

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:30:19 GMT

UCU Scotland today warned that the government's warm words about a 'smarter Scotland' had to be backed with proper funding. The union is disappointed that yesterday's spending review announcement of funding for higher education only delivered a real terms 2% increase over three years.

University staff central to economic strategy

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:47:35 GMT

UCU Scotland today welcomed the Scottish Government's Economic Strategy and its recognition of the vital role for universities in delivering a Celtic Lion and called for the funding to match the rhetoric.

UCU sets out future of national higher education pay talks

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:52:07 GMT

Following Friday's special higher education conference, UCU today said it was keen to conclude new arrangements for national pay bargaining for UK universities if it received key assurances about its future operation.

'Let's "green up" the world's universities', say UK academics

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:56:26 GMT

UK lecturers and researchers will this week urge their colleagues in universities throughout the world to become active on climate change and negotiate with their employers to 'green' their university and 'green' the curriculum.

UCU condemns continuing gender pay gap

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 14:10:01 GMT

UCU today condemned the continuing 'gender pay gap' in further and higher education which maintains women lecturers' average gross weekly pay at as much as £150 per week behind the that of their male colleagues.

College and university staff welcome Ban Bullying at Work Day

Wed, 07 Nov 2007 10:16:09 GMT

Today, on Ban Bullying at Work Day, UCU has called for greater efforts from colleges and universities to tackle workplace bullying.

Have your say on Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning report

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 08:50:48 GMT

The Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning are keen to hear the opinion of all individuals and organisations with an interested in disability issues in the lifelong learning on its recently published interim report.

Lecturers to receive over £1million back pay

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:01:44 GMT

Twentytwo Northern Ireland college lecturers have begun to receive back pay of between £8,000 and £22,000 after an industrial tribunal ruled that they had been wrongly underpaid for five years.

Government degree funding cuts contradict own lifelong learning policy, says UCU

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:58:10 GMT

Government plans to axe degree funding for certain students contradict its own lifelong learning agenda and will hit universities offering courses to adults and parttime students the hardest, warns UCU today.

UCU response to university pensions report

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:16:32 GMT

UCU today warned that attempts to shift the burden of risk on to members of the higher education pension system and force them to contribute more would be seen by many as a real terms cut in their pay and conditions.

Bournemouth lecturers embarrassed and appalled at vicechancellor's 'Ratner moment'

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:38:14 GMT

Lecturers in Bournemouth have expressed outrage and distanced themselves from comments made by the university vicechancellor, Paul Curran, regarding the state of the university.

ESOL For Work courses still leave fears for many needing English language support

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:43:55 GMT

UCU today expressed continuing concern about the provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), following a government announcement regarding new ESOL For Work courses.

Support pledged for 'green' colleges

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:13:32 GMT

UCU has pledged to support the efforts of colleges to 'green' their campuses and to promote greater understanding of global warming and environmental sustainability.

Strike avoided at Craven College

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 08:47:38 GMT

UCU members at Craven College (in Skipton, North Yorkshire) called off a oneday strike scheduled for today after reaching agreement with the college's management.

'Insulting' FE pay offer rejected

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:32:26 GMT

Members working in further education in England are to be balloted over taking industrial action after a special pay conference rejected this year's pay offer.

Independent advisor appointed for Northern Ireland FE pay dispute

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 10:18:14 GMT

The Northern Ireland FE pay dispute took a new turn today with the announcement of an independent advisor tasked to facilitate an agreement.

UCU welcomes investment in science and innovation

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:56:36 GMT

UCU has welcomed government plans to invest in science and technology and the teaching of STEM subjects, outlined in the government's response to a review of science and innovation published today by Lord Sainsbury.

Sandwell College: 'management spends while curriculum burns'

Fri, 05 Oct 2007 14:26:50 GMT

Sandwell College, in the Midlands, is sacrificing the breadth of its curriculum, cutting courses vital to the local community, while increasing its bureaucracy and indulging in the creation of unnecessary and expensive new management posts. But its plan to cut even more courses and teaching jobs is meeting resistance.

Lecturers at Craven College vote to strike over pay cut

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:14:43 GMT

UCU members at Craven College have voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action after experiencing a pay cut throughout the last year because the college refused to implement a nationally agreed cost of living pay increase of 3%.

Colombian teacher trade unionist assassinations mount

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:01:17 GMT

Four more teacher trade unionists have been murdered in recent weeks in the Colombian department of Antioquia, taking to over 1,000 lives the union death toll in that department alone.

Israel boycott illegal and cannot be implemented, UCU tells members

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 15:29:37 GMT

UCU announced today that, after seeking legal advice, an academic boycott of Israel would be unlawful and cannot be implemented.

UCU response to student academic experience report

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:53:23 GMT

UCU today said that staff needed to be recognised for the extra 'unscheduled' work outside of teaching hours they put in with their students.

Bournemouth academics protest at job cuts

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 10:34:39 GMT

On 21 September the board of Bournemouth University approved the compulsory redundancy of 50 academic posts. These are on top of some 70 posts lost through voluntary severance over the past two years.

Students gagged by cuts in access to English language courses

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:49:51 GMT

'Gagged' students and their lecturers will take part in events across the country today to highlight the threat to free courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Fareham College lecturers ballot on action to defend teaching quality

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 08:59:36 GMT

UCU members at Fareham College are balloting on possible industrial action in an attempt to prevent the erosion of classroom teaching standards at the college.

UCU president urges TUC to back UCU privatisation fight

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:34:12 GMT

UCU president, Linda Newman, urged delegates at the TUC Congress in Brighton to back the union's fight against privatisation in further and higher education.

UCU responds to Universities UK strategic subjects report

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:39:12 GMT

UCU today warned that recent departmental closures in strategic subjects like the sciences must not be allowed to continue if the UK wants to ensure future students have the full opportunity to fulfil their potential.

UCU welcomes national survey's recognition of lecturers' hard work

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:25:12 GMT

UCU today welcomed the positive results of the third National Student Survey (NSS).

UCU donates £2,000 to Justice for Colombia

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 13:22:04 GMT

UCU will this lunchtime donate £2,000 to Justice for Colombia. The money has been donated by Sussex University UCU member, Jim Guild.

After a year on reduced pay, Craven College lecturers to hold industrial action ballot

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:03:22 GMT

UCU members at Craven College will begin to vote from this Friday on whether or not to take industrial action after experiencing a pay cut throughout the last year.

TUC told education must be put back at centre of government policy

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 11:54:28 GMT

Sally Hunt told delegates at the TUC Congress today that lifelong learning must be at the centre of the government's strategy for education and skills.

Lecturers welcome Scotland skills strategy

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 08:47:10 GMT

UCU Scotland today welcomed the Scottish government's commitment to higher education in the skills strategy.

Low pay of women lecturers requires mandatory equal pay reviews

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 15:17:57 GMT

UCU has warned the government that its proposed single equality law will make it even harder to tackle low pay among women academics.

UCU Scotland celebrates funding to save Crichton Campus

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:22:28 GMT

UCU Scotland today celebrated the Scottish Executive's announcement of additional funding to allow Glasgow University to remain at the Crichton Campus.

Student complaints rise to be expected after funding changes, says UCU

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:06:38 GMT

Responding today to the publication of the 2006 annual report from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, UCU said a rise in student complaints was to be expected after recent changes to higher education funding.

UCU warns that successful Alevels do not always lead to dream degree

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 06:08:07 GMT

Ahead of this year's Alevel results released today, UCU warned that successful school and college leavers starting university this autumn may have had to sacrifice dreams of studying their preferred course because of cuts that have created 'degree deserts' in some parts of the UK.

Lecturers in Northern Ireland reject 'derisory' pay offer

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:19:42 GMT

The longrunning pay dispute in Northern Ireland's further education sector looks set to escalate following the union's rejection of a 'derisory' pay offer at a meeting of the Lecturers' Negotiating Committee (LNC) yesterday.

UCU comment on graduate unemployment

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:03:49 GMT

UCU today commented on the Higher Education Statistics Agency's graduate employment statistics released today.

Lecturers back college call for 'greening' of the curriculum

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:04:44 GMT

Amid growing concern about climate change, UCU today endorsed a call by colleges for more environmental education in the college curriculum.

'LSC report is a wake up call for Harlow College principal', says lecturers' union UCU

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 09:07:13 GMT

A report by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) into whether Harlow College has enough capacity to meet its September teaching needs after the loss of around 100 teaching staff is a 'wakeup call' for the college principal, Colin Hindmarch, according to UCU.

Language skills shortage will see UK students miss out in global higher education market, warns UCU

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:49:54 GMT

UCU today warned that UK students in the future may be among the biggest casualties of increased internationalism in higher education.

UCU Scotland welcome fee waivers for asylumseekers

Thu, 01 May 2008 15:19:45 GMT

UCU Scotland praises the decision by the Scottish Government to waive undergraduate university fees for asylumseekers.

Employers cannot take credit for pay rises

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 08:52:13 GMT

UCU today welcomed the latest 3% pay rise for higher education staff. The rise is part of the pay deal thrashed out last year between the union and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA). However, UCU warned the employers that staff would find it incredible if the employers sought to claim credit for it.

Widening participation is not just about getting students through the door

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:16:09 GMT

UCU warned today that more must be done to help students from nontraditional backgrounds when they arrive at university. The union was commenting on the National Audit Office's 'Staying the course' report released today looking at retention rates of students in higher education.

Ten years on from Dearing and the same problems blight higher education

Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:17:00 GMT

A decade after the groundbreaking Dearing report on higher education the same problems originally highlighted in the report have not been resolved, said Sally Hunt, general secretary of UCU, today.

UCU reaches agreement with London Met

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:02:15 GMT

London Metropolitan University and UCU are pleased to announce that, following a meeting, chaired by Brendan Barber (general secretary of the TUC) on 18 July 2007 at the TUC, London Metropolitan University and UCU have reached an agreed position in relation to the issue of union recognition and talks on proposed redundancies.

Southampton University lecturers forced to mourn at graduation ceremony

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:38:37 GMT

Lecturers at Southampton University will be decked in black today at graduation ceremonies at Southampton University. Graduation day is usually a time for celebration, however this year lecturers will be protesting at the proposed job losses in the School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences (SoHPRs).

Decline in student applicants cause for concern, says UCU Scotland

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:50:23 GMT

Responding to university application figures released today by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), UCU Scotland warned that the decline in the number of applicants from Scotland is a cause of concern.

UCU responds to performance indicators for higher education

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 08:51:01 GMT

UCU today responded to the performance indicators released today by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

Government skills plan needs a social partnership to develop its aims and delivery

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:44:01 GMT

UCU today called on the government to 'rebalance' its plan for the development of skills throughout England by giving less attention to employers' demands and more to the skills needs of citizens.

More must be done to support international 'brain circulation', says UCU

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 12:52:29 GMT

UCU today responded to the release of a Universities UK report today, 'Talent wars: the international market for academic staff'.

Academic contribution to economy needs to be rewarded not just praised, says UCU

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:05:27 GMT

UCU said today that the contribution universities and colleges make to the economy must be properly recognised.

National pay bargaining essential for equitable sector, says UCU

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:39:39 GMT

UCU today reiterated its commitment to national pay bargaining amid attacks from the outgoing chair of the university employers' body the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) Alasdair Smith.

UCU welcomes increased eligibility for student grants

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:33:11 GMT

UCU today welcomed the first statement to the House of Commons from the new secretary of state for the department of innovation, universities and skills, John Denham, regarding student finance.

Oxford and Cherwell Valley UCU tell college: 'Implement national pay agreement'

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:42:04 GMT

UCU members at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College recently staged a high profile lunchtime protest outside college entrances to draw attention to the failure of the college to implement the national FE pay agreement.

Harlow College staffing crisis looms as half teaching staff set to leave

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:14:14 GMT

A staffing crisis is set to follow the mass departure of teaching staff from Harlow College.

UCU calls for ESOL moratorium as protest goes to Downing Street

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 15:19:53 GMT

UCU has urged the government to implement a one year moratorium on changes in entitlement to free courses in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages).

UCU reacts to cabinet education appointments

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:36:44 GMT

UCU today welcomed the appointment of John Denham as innovation, universities and skills secretary.

Sunderland College lecturers to hold strike ballot over jobs threats

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:20:25 GMT

UCU members at City of Sunderland College are set to ballot on whether to take strike action in defence of teaching jobs threatened with redundancy.

UCU urges new PM to back education rhetoric with action

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:38:10 GMT

Ahead of Gordon Brown becoming prime minister later today, UCU urged the former chancellor to back up his consistent warm words on the importance of education through coherent policy and increased investment.

UCU response to topup fees report

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:08:44 GMT

UCU today warned against increasing the cost of studying at university. On the day Universities UK (UUK) releases a report assessing the impact of topup fees on students and universities, UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said that she believed the current regime is restricting students' university choices and that many are put off going altogether.

Skipton lecturers set for first ever strike

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:09:49 GMT

Lecturers at Craven College in Skipton are contemplating taking unprecedented industrial action including strikes.

UCU backs 'skills pledge', but says government must force employers to cough up

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:19:01 GMT

UCU today signed up to promote the government drive to get employers to commit to a Skills Pledge for their employees. Improving workforce skills was vital, said UCU, but warned however that merely asking employers to commit would not be enough.

English classes essential, says UCU in response to social cohesion report

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 11:51:04 GMT

UCU said today that unless the government stops plans to cut access to free English classes it has no chance of meeting the recommendations of a Commission on Integration and Cohesion (CIC) report released this morning.

Leeds Met staff stressed and losing sleep over management bullying

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:11:52 GMT

Over two thirds (68%) of staff surveyed at Leeds Metropolitan University (LMU) have suffered stress because of bullying from their managers.

Increased funding essential to allow Scottish universities to compete

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:44:34 GMT

UCU Scotland is calling for a commitment from the new SNP administration to real terms increases in higher education funding and to build a consensus about student funding after the announcement today of the abolition of the graduate endowment.

Harlow lecturers gearing up for lunchtime rally

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:28:38 GMT

Lecturers at Harlow College are holding a rally this lunchtime as part of their ongoing strike action this week.

London lecturer jobs saved but strike will still hit Hackney

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:35:32 GMT

Staff at Hackney Community College will strike tomorrow after talks between the college and UCU failed to resolve the problem of compulsory job losses.

Second strike at Harlow College as lecturers fear threat to quality

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 16:29:38 GMT

Lecturers at Harlow College today begin a three day strike in resistance to the imposition of a new, unnegotiated college plan which lecturers and students say threatens the quality of the learning experience at the college.

UCU says NHS training cash cannot be trusted to DoH

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:06:44 GMT

UCU today demanded the government stops cuts to the education and training budgets in the National Health Service, following the announcement of the NHS end of year financial figures.

Redundancies at Cardiff University rejected by UCU

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:27:29 GMT

In response to proposals by Cardiff University to make 22 academic and other staff redundant, UCU at Cardiff released a statement today rejecting compulsory redundancies as unnecessary and premature.

Scottish funding council, executive and Glasgow Uni slammed over Crichton crisis

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:00:04 GMT

Lecturers from across the UK today slammed the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Executive and the University of Glasgow for failing to ensure the future of the Crichton campus in Dumfries.

Bournemouth University rapped by lecturers' union

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:00:50 GMT

Bournemouth University was taken to task today by lecturers at the inaugural UCU congress. Delegates from across the UK backed a motion from staff at Bournemouth University that strongly criticised the University's handling of staff contracts.

Lecturers tell Harlow College: 'Negotiate don't spin'

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 10:57:04 GMT

UCU has called on Harlow College to engage in talks to settle the dispute at the college, instead of hiring public relations consultants and engaging in a media war of words.

Don't 'coerce' young people to stay on, say college lecturers

Thu, 31 May 2007 11:47:12 GMT

College lecturers, at their conference today, urged the government to abandon plans to force youngsters to stay on in education until the age of eighteen.

Lecturers' leader calls for end to 'fag packet' education policy making

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:37:32 GMT

Paul Mackney, joint general secretary of UCU, today said many of the government's education policies are not based on evidence but on ill considered 'fag packet' ideas.

UCU response to boycott vote

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 15:13:46 GMT

Delegates at the inaugural UCU congress voted this afternoon in favour of a motion calling for the circulation of 'the full text of the Palestinian boycott call to all branches for information and discussion'.

Lecturers vote unanimously to throw out government spying plans

Wed, 30 May 2007 11:04:57 GMT

University and college lecturers this morning voted unanimously to reject government plans to instruct university staff to report students for 'extremism'.

Government education policy is a damaging catalogue of misaligned objectives, says new UCU leader

Tue, 29 May 2007 13:26:08 GMT

Government education policy is a catalogue of misaligned objectives which are damaging the education system, Britain's standing abroad, social cohesion and the health service, new UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, will tell delegates at the union's inaugural congress.

Universities vital for Scotland

Tue, 29 May 2007 13:30:24 GMT

UCU Scotland has called for increased funding to meet the economic needs of Scotland in their submission to the spending review for the new executive.

Save ESOL campaign descends on Downing Street

Fri, 25 May 2007 15:24:24 GMT

The Save ESOL campaign observed Adult Learning Week by delivering a petition signed by over 15,000 students, tutors and campaign supporters.

SNP must deliver in office what it promised in opposition

Fri, 25 May 2007 10:09:36 GMT

UCU said today that the Scottish Executive must intervene to stop the proposed closure of Glasgow University's Crichton Campus. Glasgow University announced in February this year that it was halting admission of undergraduates to Crichton campus.

Picket lines ready as lecturers go on strike at Harlow College

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:03:13 GMT

Lecturers at Harlow College, members of UCU, will be on picket lines outside the college's main entrances tomorrow, Thursday 24 May, at the start of two day strike action.

Afghan doctor will petition Tony Blair to save ESOL English language courses

Fri, 25 May 2007 13:53:27 GMT

In Adult Learning Week, a female Afghan doctor, Malalai Formouli, will be among teachers and students visiting Downing Street tomorrow to deliver a 12,000 signature petition to the prime minister, Tony Blair.

London college lecturers ballot for strike action in defence of adult education jobs

Fri, 25 May 2007 15:08:57 GMT

Lecturers in six further education colleges in London are balloting on proposals for industrial action, including strike action, over redundancies arising from cuts in adult education.

Unions reject unacceptable pay offer for FE in England

Fri, 25 May 2007 15:09:30 GMT

At a meeting of the National Joint Forum on Wednesday 16 May the Association of Colleges offered 2% from 1 August 2007 plus 0.5% from 1 January 2008 on all scales and allowances.

National support for Harlow College branch

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:11:04 GMT

Around 50 people supported a UCU rally in Harlow on Saturday 19 May, to protest at the college's plans to impose a new contract with worsened conditions for many staff.

Power of education unleashed through UCU's first Life Changer grants

Thu, 17 May 2007 13:50:01 GMT

UCU has awarded its first two 'Life Changers' grants of £3,000 to a reformed criminal and an eminent criminologist. Joe Baden and Professor Dick Hobbs were voted to receive the awards by fellow 'Life Changers' who had been recognised by the union for their work in changing people's lives through education.

Disabled college staff urged to declare their disability and be 'positive role models'

Wed, 16 May 2007 13:00:07 GMT

College unions UCU and UNISON will launch a campaign, on Thursday 17 May, urging disabled staff to declare their disability, become positive role models for disabled colleagues and students and assist efforts to enhance the career prospects of disabled people.

UCU endorses criticism of government's progress on new diplomas

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:57:31 GMT

UCU has welcomed a report by the Education and Skills Committee which is highly critical of the government's implementation of proposals for 1419 diplomas.

Government policies force Bradford College to slash adult learning

Tue, 15 May 2007 10:48:17 GMT

Bradford College management and UCU today jointly condemned government policies which are jeopardising 124 adult education courses.

No reason for male bias in higher education top jobs, says UCU

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:55:55 GMT

Responding to the new statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) released today UCU said the minimal increase of women in the top positions in higher education was disappointing and there was no reason for the continuing male bias.

Harlow College lecturers will take strike action to defend jobs

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:02:19 GMT

Teaching staff at Harlow College have voted for strike action as part of a campaign to defend their contracts and jobs.

UCU response to Bath University cancelling visit of BNP leader

Fri, 11 May 2007 11:27:28 GMT

UCU this afternoon said it was pleased Bath University decided to refuse permission for the leader of the British National party (BNP), Nick Griffin, to speak at the University.

University gender pay gap falls slightly, but not enough is being done says UCU

Thu, 10 May 2007 08:44:34 GMT

UCU today welcomed a slight fall in the gender pay gap in UK higher education, but warned much more must be done to ensure equal pay for equal work achieved across the sector.

UCU concern over BNP manipulation of Bath University

Wed, 09 May 2007 08:35:26 GMT

UCU today voiced its concern that Bath University is being manipulated by the British National Party.

More students per teacher in UK universities than international average

Tue, 01 May 2007 10:14:23 GMT

Only a third of UK universities have a student to staff ratio under the international average

Lecturers welcome London ESOL effort but urge government to act

Thu, 03 May 2007 10:03:41 GMT

UCU has welcomed today's decision of the London Employment and Skills Board (LESB) to commit £15 million to protect the teaching of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) in London during 20078.

UCU welcomes report on Bologna process

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:23:44 GMT

UCU today welcomed the Education and Skills Committee's report on the Bologna process.

David Blunkett joins MPs backing English 'ESOL' courses

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:56:49 GMT

UCU today welcomed former education minister David Blunkett MP's support for calls for the government to rethink plans to restrict access to free courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

UCU Scotland says decline in applicants cause for concern

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:27:02 GMT

UCU Scotland today warned that the decline in the number of applicants from Scotland is a cause of concern, after reviewing university application figures released today by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCU reaction to latest UCAS figures

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 16:24:00 GMT

Responding to university application figures released today by the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), UCU warned government and universities not to use them as evidence that they have succeeded in widening participation.

UCU releases motions for union's inaugural congress

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:22:27 GMT

The privatisation of university services, cuts in adult education, bullying and academic freedom are some of the issues to be debated by lecturers and academicrelated staff from both further and higher education at the inaugural UCU congress.

Demonstration to highlight threat to London's adult education

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:00:00 GMT

On Saturday 28 April, staff and students from North London colleges will demonstrate their opposition to the government's continued cuts in adult education and its plans to restrict access to free English language 'ESOL' courses. The protesters will highlight the impact on London.

Challenge 'skill speak' says UCU president at inaugural Welsh conference

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:39:01 GMT

An obsession with skills has undermined the idea of education and allowed politicians and policy wonks to do away with education, Dr Dennis Hayes, joint president of UCU will tell delegates at the inaugural Wales UCU conference today.

Public service victory as college rejects privatisation

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 14:20:22 GMT

Efforts by a private training provider to take over part of the teaching at a midlands college have been emphatically rejected by lecturers.

'Invest in substance over style', says UCU ahead of Lords debate

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:47:53 GMT

Ahead of a Lords debate today on the role universities are playing in shaping the future of the UK, the joint general secretary of UCU, Sally Hunt, warned that staff, and the work they do, must not just be an afterthought.

UCU sends letters of condolence to US colleagues

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:09:57 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, today sent letters of condolence to colleagues in America following yesterday's tragic shooting at Virginia Tech.

Consolidate don't disrupt further education's success, says UCU

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:51:39 GMT

UCU has welcomed a report by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which shows increasing success in further education (FE). The union called on the government for a period of stability instead of endless initiatives.

UCU welcomes new Northern Ireland minister for Employment and Learning

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:04:09 GMT

UCU has welcomed the appointment of Sir Reg Empey as Minister for employment and learning in the Northern Ireland Executive.

Overworked and underpaid academics not acceptable says UCU in response to new research

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:42:46 GMT

Academics are underpaid and overworked compared with other graduate professions, which is likely to have a knockon effect on the quality of UK higher education warns new research to be presented to the Royal Economic Society's annual conference at the University of Warwick this week.

'Have a nice Easter' as Harlow College tells lecturers to work for £10,000 less

Wed, 09 May 2007 08:51:28 GMT

Managers at Harlow College gave lecturers an unwelcome Easter present as they left to enjoy their holiday break.

College lecturers and support staff seek significant pay increase

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:08:52 GMT

Unions representing college lecturers and support staff have submitted their pay claim for 200708.

University privatisation bandwagon crashes to a halt in Oxford

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:23:52 GMT

A flawed scheme to privatise a university department has been rejected by Oxford Brookes University after a vigorous campaign by staff to defend educational quality and jobs.

NI lecturers take new strike action

Fri, 18 May 2007 11:26:16 GMT

Lecturers at Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges are set to take strike action again today. This is the seventh strike in the long running pay dispute with the colleges in the past 10 months.

UCU response to new foreign student figures

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:21:55 GMT

UCU today responded to figures released this morning from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on the number of foreign students at UK universities and the total number of students studying individual courses

Rammell wrong again on impact of ESOL plans

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:19:07 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Paul Mackney, today responded to the comments made by skills minister Bill Rammell about changes in government plans for funding of ESOL (English for speakers of other languages).

Education and training until 18 must be voluntary and backed by resources

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:17:43 GMT

UCU has responded to the Green Paper 'Raising Expectations: staying in education and training post16' presented to the House of Commons today by Education Minister Alan Johnson.

Funding increases should stop redundancies

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:15:01 GMT

Funding increases for Scottish universities mean that redundancy threats are now entirely unnecessary, said UCU today.

Course cuts at Cambridge Regional College risk college's reputation

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:10:49 GMT

Cambridge Regional College (CRC) has announced once again at very short notice that it will cease to provide some of its advertised courses, creating confusion amongst students and fears among staff that the college may damage its reputation and be thrust into decline.

UCU response to the budget

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:07:17 GMT

UCU today said the chancellor needed to demonstrate his commitment to all areas of education. The union welcomed the extra money for the education sector, but warned that much more needed to be done if the UK was to really lead the way in education. It also cautioned against plans to sell off student loans.

Union slams Manchester University job cuts

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:57:38 GMT

Members of the Manchester University branch of UCU have slammed university mismanagement and plans for 400 redundancies.

UK's newest university hit by age discrimination row

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:55:17 GMT

The UK's newest university, Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, has become embroiled in an age discrimination row after refusing to extend the contract of a 65yearold sports lecturer.

Chancellor urged over FE investment, adult education and ESOL

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:53:02 GMT

UCU has written to chancellor Gordon Brown urging him to make a special allocation of funds to the DfES to protect courses in ESOL (English for speakers of other languages).

Women elected to top two positions in world's biggest post16 education union

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:44:22 GMT

Women have been elected in the two key posts of the newly formed UCU.

UCU responds to Lord Dearing's languages review

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:43:07 GMT

UCU today responded to a review of foreign language teaching, which recommends lessons should be compulsory for the first time in England's primary schools.

£25 million London cuts worsens ESOL crisis

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:49:04 GMT

A £25 million reduction in funding for adult education in London is set to exacerbate the impact of government plans to restrict access to free English language courses and add to skills shortages in the capital, warns UCU.

Sally Hunt is elected first general secretary of UCU

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:45:09 GMT

Sally Hunt has been elected as the first general secretary of the University and College Union.

£1 million backpay due after colleges failed on lecturers' salaries

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:41:21 GMT

An industrial tribunal has ruled that further education colleges in Northern Ireland failed to pay over 70 lecturers their proper pay since 2001.

Tribunal slams university for 'arrogance and inadequacy' in landmark ruling

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:51:15 GMT

A University of Ulster lecturer whose fixed term contract was not renewed was unfairly dismissed and discriminated against, a Northern Ireland industrial tribunal has ruled. He is to receive compensation in excess of £36,000 for losses incurred.

Gordon Brown must invest in English language courses, say teachers of 'ESOL'

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 11:23:51 GMT

The union representing teachers of adult English language classes today urged chancellor Gordon Brown to demonstrate 'joined up' government and commit to greater investment in free English language courses for people who need them.

UCU backs call for quality public services in Europe

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:06:06 GMT

UCU members are being encouraged to sign a European TUC online petition in support of quality public services in the European Union. The aim is collect 1 million signatures by the time of the ETUC Congress in Spain in May.

UCU seeks unity in Universities UK spending review bid

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 12:46:28 GMT

UCU has today responded to the spending review bid issued by Universities UK (UUK).

Universities face real terms cuts after funding announcement

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:53:03 GMT

The recurrent funding increase for English higher education institutions in 20072008 will actually leave many universities with real terms reductions, UCU said today.

Minister is warned: 'future of British community relations is in your hands'

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:49:32 GMT

Lifelong learning minister Bill Rammell was today warned 'the future of British community relations is in your hands', during a massive lobby of parliament opposing government plans to restrict access to free courses in English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).

Prime Minister wrong to say topup fees are a success, says UCU

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:47:56 GMT

UCU today said the prime minister was wrong to praise his topup fees policy and that their full impact is yet to be realised or properly analysed.

University language centre privatisation breaches equality requirements

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:38:07 GMT

UCU today called on the university funding body HEFCE to immediately investigate a breach of its own guidance to universities on how to implement new statutory equality duties.

Cuts to free English classes 'will increase injuries and could threaten lives'

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:33:44 GMT

Government plans to restrict access to free English language classes needed by migrant workers would lead to increased risk of accidents at work and risks to the general public, UCU warned today.

Parliament lobby will press government to save English language courses

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:30:21 GMT

Government plans to restrict access to free English language courses will be opposed at a lobby of Parliament on Wednesday 28 February.

Teachers and lecturers top poll of most unpaid overtime

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:28:40 GMT

Teachers and lecturers do, on average, more than 11 hours of unpaid work every week, according to figures released today. If the staff were paid for their additional hours they would be taking home almost an extra £10,000 a year.

Vicechancellors' pay needs proper scrutiny says lecturers' union

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:23:03 GMT

UCU said today that the results of a survey of vicechancellors' pay sent out the wrong message to staff.

UCU backs NHS Together day of action on 3 March

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 10:20:28 GMT

UCU is supporting the day of action organised by the TUC sponsored NHS Together campaign.

'Biggest obstacle to English language skills is waiting lists' say language teachers

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:56:50 GMT

UCU today responded to the provisional report of the Commission on Integration and Cohesion by calling for the government to listen to language tutors who are fearful of restrictions on access to English language courses.

Lecturers' union opposes private university

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:38:12 GMT

UCU today said plans for a private university in Northern Ireland were illadvised and contrary to what the country needs or what people want.

Public worries privatisation will harm UK universities

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:29:13 GMT

ASA takes up complaint against private firm's misleading university advert.

Prime minister needs to look closer to home for university funding, says UCU

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:15:33 GMT

UCU said today that the government needs to commit greater state funding to UK universities, rather than just trying to find other people to foot the bill.

Welcome for 'Disability Agenda' as UCU monitors implementation of employers' disability duties

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:07:39 GMT

UCU has welcomed today's launch of the Disability Rights Commission's 'Disability Agenda', which sets out the chief public policy challenges regarding disability for the coming decade and the action needed to meet them.

UCU responds to UCAS university figures

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:03:19 GMT

UCU has responded to today's UCAS figures on applications for 2007.

UCU welcomes minister's 'flexible working' call as it launches survey of elder care needs

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 10:00:20 GMT

UCU has welcomed the call this week by children's minister Beverley Hughes MP for all employees to be able to request flexible working but says current legal rights are far too timid.

UCU says complicated bursary system is not working

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:19:41 GMT

UCU responded today to a report published by Universities UK which assesses the impact of variable tuition fees on students and higher education.

Protesters to picket RNIB HQ over Redhill College closure

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:56:33 GMT

Campaigners opposing the closure of courses for visually impaired and disabled students at the Royal National Institute for the Blind Redhill College in Surrey will take their protest to the headquarters of the RNIB tomorrow, 14 February.

Lecturers demand universities come clean on privatisation

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:52:38 GMT

UCU has today written to all vicechancellors and principals of UK universities demanding that they commit to no further privatisation of key university academic functions.

Court lobby for Crichton

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:47:30 GMT

On 14 February, staff and students from Crichton Campus and from Glasgow University will lobby members of the University Court to maintain the Glasgow University connection with Crichton.

'Government hypocrisy' say lecturers, as benefits may be cut for those not learning English

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:04:54 GMT

The government has been accused of hypocrisy over its plan to withhold state benefits from jobless people who are unable to speak English and cannot demonstrate that they are learning the language.

Universities need gimmickfree funding, says UCU

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 16:53:44 GMT

UCU said this morning that the government needs to commit 'gimmickfree' state funding to UK universities.

Call on McConnell to intervene over Crichton

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:51:56 GMT

UCU Scotland has written to the first minister urging him to intervene to avert a decision by Glasgow University court which would spell the beginning of the end of the university's involvement on the Crichton campus in Dumfries.

UCU reports reveal areas of UK with dearth of degrees

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:30:41 GMT

Parts of the UK cannot offer students, or potential students, courses in key subject areas such as core sciences and modern languages, according to two reports released today by UCU.

UCU says staff input is only way to ensure European mobility programme will work

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:24:42 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, will today tell delegates at a major European education seminar that unless trade unions are centrally involved in plans for greater mobility for staff and students across Europe the whole process risks becoming a white elephant.

University is about more than money, says UCU

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:19:36 GMT

UCU has responded to a report published today by Universities UK which sets out the economic benefits to individuals of a higher education qualification.

University employers asked to support antiprivatisation moves

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:15:40 GMT

UCU has today written to the University and Colleges Employers' Association (UCEA) to ask the employers to act to stop creeping privatisation in UK universities.

Newcastle UCU members protest over privatisation on campus

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 15:13:14 GMT

Members of the Newcastle UCU today led a protest against the privatisation of a university language school.

UCU fights privatisation plans for Oxford Brookes

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:19:21 GMT

UCU today said that it will fight plans to privatise a language centre at Oxford Brookes University all the way.

First class universities subsidised with second class pay and conditions, says UCU

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:13:04 GMT

UCU has today launched a help kit for academic and related staff on fixedterm or hourlypaid contracts.

UCU criticises university ban on same sex ceremonies

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:07:06 GMT

UCU has criticised the vice chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University for his recommendation that civil partnerships should not take place on university premises.

Huge turnout of Northern Ireland college lecturers on 6th strike day

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 14:00:31 GMT

Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges were hit hard by strike action on 29 January as college lecturers took their 6th day of strike action since last May.

UCU calls for halt to creeping privatisation of universities

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:47:58 GMT

UCU has today written to the UK's university umbrella group opposing increasing levels of private sector involvement in key university functions.

UCU concern over Strathclyde job losses

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:41:32 GMT

Strathclyde University have announced that they intend to shed 250 jobs over the next three years through voluntary redundancies and natural wastage in a letter to all staff without substantive consultation with the unions.

UCU says national bargaining key to protecting staff

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:38:49 GMT

UCU today said that it would fight threats to national pay bargaining arising from a discussion document from the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA), which sought views on local pay bargaining.

High stress levels in colleges and universities 'caused by management culture'

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:35:27 GMT

High levels of stress are widespread amongst staff throughout further and higher education and staff widely believe that management far from addressing the issue are contributing to the problem.

UCU questions 'style over substance' in Dundee jobs threat

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:30:23 GMT

UCU responded today to Dundee University's announcement that jobs are under threat.

Lecturers' union slams college privatisation plan to 'ripoff' public assets

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:49:20 GMT

At a national TUC rally to 'speak up for public services' on Tuesday 23 January, UCU, which represents lecturing staff in further education (FE) colleges, will condemn suggestions that some successful, large FE colleges should become totally privatised.

UCU responds to possible tuition fee hike

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:35:05 GMT

Responding to reports in today's Guardian newspaper that vicechancellors want to increase tuition fees for university degrees, UCU joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, said:

Campaign demands continued rights to basic English language courses

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 17:14:24 GMT

Dozens of organisations including the Children's Society, the Refugee Council and the shopworkers' union USDAW spoke out this week to warn the government that its plan to reduce eligibility for free English language courses will have a devastating effect if unchanged.

UCU responds to student living report

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 16:21:40 GMT

UCU today expressed its concerns about a widening gap between rich and poor students on university campuses, following the release of the Unite Student Experience Report.

Campaign launch to save ESOL courses

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:49:39 GMT

UCU is hosting a meeting on 15 January to organise a 'Save ESOL' campaign which will press government to reverse plans for cuts in funding for ESOL (English for speakers of other languages).

Charities regulator off target

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 15:53:51 GMT

UCU has called for the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator to rethink its list of bodies at risk of losing charitable status which includes universities, colleges and student associations.

Former prisoner job plan ignores their broader needs

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 11:04:18 GMT

The government's plans to reduce prisoner reoffending may be ignoring essential prisoner needs for education and support, according to teachers who work in prisons. The teachers' views were submitted to the Education and Skills Select Committee which this week quizzed Ministers on progress in implementing recommendations for prison education.

Speak up for public services, UCU urges

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:51:22 GMT

UCU is one of 28 unions which have joined forces in a TUC coordinated campaign that aims to protect public services from policies that try to make them operate like profitdriven businesses.

Universities crucial to knowledge economy

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 12:13:40 GMT

The UCU manifesto for the Scottish Parliament Elections is calling for greater investment in the knowledge economy by increasing the resources for Universities, but it states that the investment must come from the public purse not topup fees.

Lecturers shocked by Bristol police raid on college

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:43:11 GMT

College authorities from City of Bristol College have met police this week to discuss a recent incident when a student was arrested in the corridor outside his classroom at City of Bristol College.

Dispute threat in Wales as FE employers rebuff workload talks

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:43:43 GMT

The threat of industrial action is looming in Wales after college employers failed to agree to talks on lecturers' hours, holidays and workloads, despite continued joint union attempts to find a way forward.

Northern Ireland minister to meet UCU over FE dispute

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:24:34 GMT

The secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Peter Hain, has agreed to meet a union deputation on the FE dispute on 15 January 2007 thanks to approaches from UCU Northern Ireland region and UCU joint general secretary, Paul Mackney.

UCU says fundamental review on research needed

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:20:49 GMT

UCU today welcomed the news that the government has abandoned its crude monometrics approach to the replacement for the Research and Assessment Exercise (RAE).

Let over 65s work if they wish colleges will soon need them

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:17:03 GMT

Today, as the high court referred a case on compulsory retirement at 65 to the European Court of Justice, UCU warned that preventing employees from working beyond 65, if they wish, could seriously worsen an imminent staffing shortage in further education colleges.

UCU responds to prebudget report

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:12:13 GMT

Responding to today's prebudget report, UCU welcomed investment in education, but warned more needed to be done if the UK was to maintain its position as a global leader in educational provision.

'Why delay employer duty to provide skills training? Do it now', says UCU

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:40:07 GMT

UCU has responded to the Leitch report an independent review of the UK's long term skills needs which was published today.

UCU overturns attempt by Edge Hill University to impose inferior contracts

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:30:54 GMT

The threat of strike action, an academic boycott and dozens of law suits has prevented Britain's newest university from imposing an inferior and nonnegotiated contract on its lecturers.

Let adults learn, says thirtytwo strong coalition

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:35:20 GMT

Failure to support adults to learn will have serious social and economic consequences warns a coalition of thirtytwo organisations, including UCU, today.

'Enabling not disabling' securing equality for disabled staff in colleges and universities

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 16:33:52 GMT

Groundbreaking new legal duties introduced today in England, Scotland and Wales could greatly improve the prospects of disabled people working or hoping to work in colleges and universities, says UCU.

International baccalaureate plan 'elitist and divisive'

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:22:21 GMT

UCU has today responded to comments by prime minister Tony Blair on plans for more academies and greater access to the International baccalaureate,

UCU calls on members to support Iraqi academics

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:20:12 GMT

UCU has added its backing to an emergency fund for Iraqi academics.

Access to degrees needed to widen participation, says UCU

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:10:52 GMT

UCU said today that for widening participation to really succeed potential students must have access to the courses they want to study and not be stopped, or put off, studying by huge debts.

UCU welcomes Oxford governance vote

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:07:59 GMT

UCU today welcomed the decision by Oxford University academics to reject proposals to hand control of the university's affairs to an outside body.

UCU responds to higher education report

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:06:23 GMT

UCU today said that staff and universities must be properly resourced if the UK is to be able to maintain its position as a global leader.

Staff governors can help colleges guarantee quality, says UCU

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:03:56 GMT

UCU believes staff governors in further education colleges can play a positive role in helping to maintain high quality courses.

UCU responds to government's call for notification of university departments at risk

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:02:10 GMT

Today's Times Higher Education Supplement has reported that the education secretary, Alan Johnson, has written to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) asking for early notification of future university departments at risk from closure.

Skelmersdale College warned 'beware of Newcastle College expansion'

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:59:45 GMT

UCU has expressed serious misgivings about territorial ambitions of Newcastle College (NewcastleuponTyne) after Skelmersdale College's announcement yesterday that the governors of the ailing West Lancashire further education institution had chosen Newcastle College as their preferred partner in a merger.

Compliments welcome but action is needed to protect ESOL courses, says UCU

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:40:52 GMT

UCU today told education secretary Alan Johnson that although his compliments about college lecturers were appreciated, the government needs to stop ignoring the needs of adults who want to study in further education colleges.

Conference to hear of growing stress in colleges and universities

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:07:29 GMT

Disturbing levels of sleeplessness, anxiety and exhaustion amongst lecturers in colleges and universities will be revealed at a conference on tackling stress at work, in London on Thursday 23 November.

Report reveals that latest physics closure is part of decline in UK science

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:35:44 GMT

This afternoon's decision to axe the physics department at Reading University is part of potentially irreversible decline of UK science that could soon see parts of the UK unable to provide courses in both science and maths, warns UCU.

Quit stalling and get moving on lecturers' pay parity with schools, union urges colleges

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:30:30 GMT

A new push in colleges in England that haven't yet brought lecturers' pay closer to that of school teachers was announced today by UCU.

Campus extremism guidance won't solve all problems

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:26:26 GMT

Guidance issued to colleges and universities on combating extremism on campus is an improvement on previous leaked drafts but won't solve all the problems and doesn't give sufficient emphasis to improving campus relations, warned leaders of the UCU today.

Latest Northern Ireland strike solid

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:17:27 GMT

Strike action in Northern Ireland FE branches on 16 November was once again strongly supported by members, reports regional official Jim McKeown.

UCU responds to Queen's speech: concerns over foundation degrees, fees and adult education

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 15:18:42 GMT

UCU has responded to elements in the Queen's speech regarding further and higher education.

International academic pressure grows over Reading physics closure

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:50:41 GMT

Staff and students at Reading University will be seeking to overturn the proposed closure of Reading University's physics department at a lobby on Monday 20 November.

Keighley merger partner must be local, say lecturers

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:47:40 GMT

UCU, which represents lecturers at Keighley College, is urging the college's governors to ditch any idea of merging the college with another one as far away as Hull or Tyneside.

Edge Hill lecturers set to strike over imposition of inferior contract

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:45:17 GMT

Britain's newest university, Edge Hill University, at Ormskirk in Lancashire, will soon be the scene of higher education's newest strike unless its vicechancellor ends an attempt to impose an inferior contract on academic staff.

Fifth FE strike by Northern Ireland lecturers

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:42:30 GMT

Lecturers at Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges will take strike action again next Thursday, 16 November. This is the fifth day of strike action in the lecturers' long running campaign for pay parity with teachers in schools. The strike is in addition to a widespread work to rule and withdrawal of goodwill across the colleges.

Colleges and universities can work with unions to improve race equality

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:38:16 GMT

Colleges and universities are failing to prevent unfair disadvantage to their ethnic minority staff, and should work more closely with unions to resolve this, according to UCU.

UCU says new cash to save science departments is needed now

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:34:29 GMT

UCU today said that the £75m to support vulnerable university science courses from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) must be made available now, not next autumn. The union warned that some courses, staff and students just cannot afford to wait for the cash.

UCU, staff and local MPs tell education minister physics at Reading must not be axed

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:32:20 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, along with Reading MPs Martin Salter and Rob Wilson, today led a delegation of UCU members from Reading University to meet the minister for further and higher education, Bill Rammell MP, to discuss the proposed closure of the physics department at the university.

It's a majority! More than half of colleges have agreed new pay scale

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:22:48 GMT

UCU's campaign to get the new pay scales implemented in all colleges has reached an important milestone. Latest information now shows 51% of colleges have reached agreement with UCU on the introduction of the 8 point scale.

VCs must listen to prime minister on future of UK science, says UCU

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:26:26 GMT

The joint general secretary of UCU, Sally Hunt, said today that universities must listen to the prime minister's message on the future of UK science.

Bureaucracy is killing higher education warns poll

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:18:55 GMT

Bureaucracy, an overwhelming workload, poor management and external interference are the main reasons why nearly two thirds (62 per cent) of lecturers think about moving to work abroad.

College and university staff receive support, information and counselling from new charity

Mon, 04 Dec 2006 14:20:42 GMT

A new UKwide charity for the further, higher and adult education workforce is launched today by the Teacher Support Network in partnership with the University and College Union (UCU).

'It's time to talk' on college pay, says UCU

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:23:41 GMT

UCU has called on colleges throughout England to start serious talks about implementing a crucial pay deal that was designed to dramatically narrow the earnings gap between lecturers and schoolteachers.

UCU responds to university experience report

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:27:33 GMT

Ever increasing bureaucracy is putting enormous pressure on higher education staff, UCU said today in response to a report on the academic experience of students.

Lecturers back antifees fight, UCU tells student demo

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:56:46 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Paul Mackney, today told a rally of thousands of students from across the UK that lecturers fully back their call for an abolition of all university fees.

Reading physics closure would make a mockery of UK commitment to science

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:10:51 GMT

The joint general secretary of UCU, Sally Hunt, will today tell academics at Reading University that the planned closure of the university's awardwinning physics department makes a mockery of any longterm strategy the UK has for science.

Progress in talks on discriminatory pay system at Havering College

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:23:39 GMT

Talks to address a discriminatory pay system at Havering College have begun to make progress, says lecturers' union UCU.

Lecturers seek urgent answers on health and safety training cuts

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:58:25 GMT

UCU has questioned if the Learning and Skills Council consulted the Health and Safety Commission before announcing that it will withdraw funding from vital health and safety courses.

Another blow to adult education in Leicester

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:29:27 GMT

UCU is concerned about courses cuts for older learners, job losses, and worsening pay and conditions, after a second proposed restructuring has been announced at Leicester City Council's Adult Learning and Skills Service.

Ruth Kelly must stop blocking equality legislation or go

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:25:17 GMT

Community affairs minister Ruth Kelly must resign if she continues to obstruct equal rights for gays and lesbians, says UCU.

Charging fees for English courses will not help integration, says UCU

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:36:31 GMT

UCU is concerned by today's announcement from the Learning and Skills Council that many people requiring basic English courses, including many asylumseekers, will be charged fees.

University applications fall is 'no surprise', says UCU

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:49:16 GMT

Figures released today show a drop of 3.7 per cent in the total number of accepted applicants on fulltime degrees courses from 2005.

Targeting of Muslims brings consensus of criticism

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 10:53:12 GMT

The Equality Challenge Unit, Universities UK and NUS have criticised draft government plans to monitor Muslim students.

Colleges hit hard by strike action again

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:32:15 GMT

Teaching at Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges virtually ceased for the fourth time in recent weeks as college lecturers today solidly supported their unions call for strike action.

UCU responds to plans to spy on students

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 18:26:45 GMT

UCU has responded to reports this morning that university staff may be asked to spy on Asianlooking and Muslim students.

UCU launches 'work conditions checker' website

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:45:53 GMT

UCU today launches an online database to help its members in universities compare and contrast their pay and conditions.

UCU claims victory in Leeds dispute

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:28:56 GMT

UCU members at the University of Leeds have secured a victory against their management after going into dispute over the imposition of regrading on 1 June this year.

College lecturers set to strike next Monday

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:31:14 GMT

Lecturers at Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges will take strike action again next Monday (16 October).

Why is the government whipping up a debate on the veil?

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:43:44 GMT

UCU has responded to comments by higher education Minister Bill Rammell, in which he described a university's decision to ban the Muslim face veil as 'the best decision'.

Government has it wrong over future of research funding, says poll of academics

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:52:37 GMT

More than four fifths of academics (81 per cent) do not support government proposals for the future of research funding, according to a poll released today by UCU.

'Operation Safeguard' will increase reoffending, warns UCU

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:33:22 GMT

UCU today warned that plans to transfer offenders from prisons to police cells or inadequate detention centres will increase reoffending rates.

College threatens all permanent lecturers with the sack

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:45:06 GMT

Lecturers at City College Norwich, who are members of UCU, are incensed by attempts to use the threat of dismissal to force them to accept new contracts of employment.

UCU has 'serious doubts' on longdistance college merger

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:40:07 GMT

UCU has expressed 'serious doubts' about a proposed merger of three colleges that are located hundreds of miles apart.

UCU welcomes new parental and adult care rights

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 17:42:16 GMT

UCU has welcomed improvements to maternity and adoption pay and leave, introduced on 1 October, and new rights to flexible working for some employees who provide care for adults, which will apply from April 2007..

College and university health fears as inspectorate ignores modern risks

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:52:16 GMT

The health of thousands of college and university staff is being put at risk by a shift in the focus of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) from inspection and enforcement to the offering of guidance to employers, according to UCU.

Universities and colleges face tougher checks on fire safety

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:49:41 GMT

Universities and colleges in England and Wales have been warned by their staff in UCU to expect closer examination of their fire safety arrangements from 2 October after new regulations are introduced.

UCU and FE employers agree guidance on age policy

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:37:47 GMT

The Association of Colleges has reached agreement with UCU and other FE unions on guidance for age equality in employment in FE.

UCU warns minister that lifelong learning must mean opportunity for all

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:40:10 GMT

UCU joint general secretary, Paul Mackney, told a packed meeting at the Labour Party conference on Monday afternoon that UCU members in further education are 'the catalyst to improve the lives of so many people who have otherwise been written off.'

Leitch in jeopardy without new measures requiring employers to train

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:18:06 GMT

The imminent Leitch report on the nation's skills gap is in jeopardy without new measures requiring employers to train, joint general secretary of UCU, Paul Mackney, will tell delegates attending this week's Labour Party Conference.

Solid support for Northern Ireland strikes

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:32:44 GMT

There was solid support for strikes held at colleges in Northern Ireland on Tuesday 19 September when hundreds of lecturers took to picket lines in a call for pay parity with schoolteachers.

Breakthrough on age discrimination for university lecturers a wake up call for other employers

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:22:46 GMT

After a determined campaign by members and officials of UCU, an agreement of sector wide significance for older staff facing redundancy has been reached this week at Liverpool John Moores University.

UCU concerned over pay dispute degree marks

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:39:07 GMT

UCU has expressed its concerns over a story in today's Times Higher Education Supplement which has revealed that Liverpool University has seen a major increase in the proportion of firsts and upper second degrees awarded.

Members urged to support 'Stop the War' national demonstration

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:07:22 GMT

Coaches are being booked from all over the UK to take people to the 'Stop The War' national demonstration in Manchester on 23 September the eve of the Labour Party Conference to demand all foreign troops are withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan and an end to the threats to Iran.

More jobs for the boys

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:30:14 GMT

Education Minister Maria Eagle has announced the names of those appointed to serve as chairmen for Northern Ireland's new further education colleges arising from the restructuring of the sector. All six appointees are men.

Third day of strike action at FE colleges

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:34:58 GMT

Northern Ireland's 16 further education colleges are expected to be shut down next Tuesday as a result of more strike action by lecturers. This will be the third strike in recent weeks. Further strike action is planned for October and November.

Education committee echoes UCU on new priorities for colleges

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:34:23 GMT

UCU has welcomed today's call from the Education and Skills Committee for the government to clear up its confusing division between college courses that lead to work and those that don't. The union believes this is the cause of a growing crisis in adult education.

Over 50s have lowest morale and are most keen to quit academe

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:31:08 GMT

Age discrimination is rife across our universities. Staff aged over 50 are the unhappiest in their jobs and almost half (43 per cent) would quit now if they could.

Employers must be legally required to train workers, says UCU

Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:35:29 GMT

UCU has today called for new legal requirements to bring about a seachange in workplace training. This follows the publication of a new TUC report, 2020 vision for skills, which reveals Britain's workplaces are facing a skills crisis with more than one in three employers refusing to train.

Colleges up for grabs? First competition for 1619 courses brings fears of creeping privatisation

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:45:14 GMT

The first open competition for the provision of 1619 vocational learning has raised fears amongst college lecturers that it could be the start of a creeping privatisation process with no benefit to local colleges, staff or students.

Control financial restrictions to enable student choice, says UCU

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:47:08 GMT

The results of the second National Student Survey (NSS) released today reveal that around 80 per cent of students are satisfied with their course.

UCU comments on Alevel results

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:48:14 GMT

Commenting on today's Alevel results, University and College Union joint general secretary, Sally Hunt, said:

UCU wins for Herts members and applauds college

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:49:54 GMT

Staff at a Hertfordshire college have been spared from the Hobson's choice of taking a pay cut or redundancy, after successful negotiations between the University and College Union and the college's management.

UCU reaction to student complaints figures

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:48:51 GMT

The number of complaints lodged by students against their universities doubled in 2005, according to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education's annual report.

Prison educators win pension victory

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:38:06 GMT

After lobbying by UCU, prison educators have won guarantees that the cost and value of their pension will remain effectively unchanged despite a change of employer.

College lecturers in Stoke to begin ongoing industrial action

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:19:00 GMT

Lecturers at Stoke on Trent College will begin continuous industrial action on Monday (July 31) in protest at their management's plans to press ahead with up to 30 compulsory redundancies among teaching staff.

Global boycott at Brunel University ends

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:30:33 GMT

A year long dispute between Brunel University and UCU has been resolved today.

Members vote to accept TPS changes

Mon, 27 Nov 2006 11:28:41 GMT

UCU has now received from the Electoral Reform Society the results of a consultative membership ballot on proposed changes to the Teachers Pension Scheme. The ballot closed on Tuesday 25 July.

Lebanon/Israel crisis: emergency protests

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:34:06 GMT

UCU continues to support the Stop the War Coalition (to which NATFHE and AUT affiliated). UCU members are therefore urged to take note of the following appeal from StWC and support local protests.

Prison educators may quit if pensions cut

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:37:31 GMT

Many prison educators the key to reducing prisoner reoffending, which costs the UK £11 billion a year* may quit their jobs if their new employers worsen their pensions.

City of Culture university axes languages

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:18:21 GMT

A university in the European Capital of Culture 2008, Liverpool, is axing its prestigious Language School and sacking staff.

UCU demands public debate on future of university research

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:30 GMT

UCU has today called on all academic and academicrelated staff to give their input into the future of how research is assessed.

UCU concern over drop in higher education participation

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:39:02 GMT

New figures released today relating to the nature and performance of the higher education sector in the UK have revealed a drop in student numbers from lower socioeconomic groups.

HE members vote in favour of pay deal

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:31:38 GMT

UCU members have voted by a substantial majority in favour of a pay deal that increases salaries for academic and related staff by 10.37% over the next two years.

Lecturers' union welcomes Mayor's new influence over London skills delivery

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:35:04 GMT

UCU has welcomed the announcement by secretary of state Alan Johnson, that the Mayor of London will be given powers to produce and promote a strategy for developing adult skills in the capital.

College lecturers vote to accept pay deal

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:27:46 GMT

College lecturers in the UCU have voted overwhelmingly to accept a pay offer from their employers for the next academic year.

Employers warned to combat bullying after landmark decision

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:29:23 GMT

The University and College Union (UCU) today welcomed the landmark decision by the House of Lords that will give extra protection to staff being bullied at work.

Liverpool protest amid fear of national 'slash and burn' of adult education

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:35:59 GMT

UCU will be among a growing chorus of voices in defence of threatened adult education courses at a rally in Liverpool tomorrow (14 July).

Universities ignoring new laws on staff contracts

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:41:06 GMT

European Union employment laws that come into effect today state that staff members who have been on fixedterm contracts for more than four years can now regard their posts as permanent.

Academic innovation in our universities must be allowed to flourish, says UCU

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:12:16 GMT

The salaries and status of UK academics must be improved if UK universities are to continue to be at the forefront of innovation.

Kent College principal provokes 'no confidence' vote

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:33:24 GMT

Approximately half of all staff at a Kent College have signed a statement of 'no confidence' in their principal. A total of 244 UCU and UNISON members at South Kent College signed the statement of 'no confidence' in college principal, Dr Tom Johnson.

Further and adult education get better and better, say students

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:59:32 GMT

UCU has welcomed the publication of a new survey which shows that nine out of ten students in further education are satisfied with their learning experience.

Staff at Liverpool John Moores will fight jobs axe

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:07:51 GMT

Staff at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) today (Thursday) vowed to fight back against threatened redundancies on languages and business courses.

College lecturers were victimised for their trade union activities, says employment tribunal

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:56:10 GMT

Five lecturers dismissed as redundant by Manchester College of Arts and Technology in August 2004 when their unit was closed for 'economic reasons' were sacked because the college's senior management resented their trade union activities, a Manchester Employment Tribunal has declared.

College lecturers to be balloted on improved pay offer

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:55:20 GMT

College lecturers, who are members of the newly formed University and College Union (UCU), are to be balloted on an improved pay offer for the next academic year.

UCU questions FE funding strategy that leads to course closures for students with disabilities

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:09:39 GMT

The head of equality and employment rights at UCU has questioned the new government funding policy for further education on the grounds that it is damaging educational opportunities for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Outrage as Leeds University downgrades staff

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:55:44 GMT

Some staff at Leeds University stand to lose over £10,000 per year after they were downgraded through a flawed job evaluation process.

University staff using 'grapevine' to aid discrimination

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:10:51 GMT

Senior staff in universities who use informal communication 'grapevines' to exchange gossip and distorted personnel information contribute to discriminatory policy and should 'hang their heads in shame' according to UCU. University staff using 'grapevine' to aid discrimination should 'hang their heads in shame'

FE lecturers to vote on industrial action over redundancies

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:58:14 GMT

Lecturers at StokeonTrent College will be balloted for industrial action after their management announced it will press ahead with compulsory redundancies even though it has already saved £2m through shedding staff this year.

UCU FE committee to consider new pay offer on Friday

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:08:54 GMT

Following talks on further education pay today, UCU anticipates that a final offer from employers, the Association of Colleges, will be available for Friday (June 16).

Cambridge FE lecturers to strike over Alevel closures

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:54:17 GMT

Lecturers at Cambridge Regional College will tomorrow (Tuesday 13 June) strike for the day in protest over the closures of Alevel and AS courses.

Further education pay talks to resume next week

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:02:44 GMT

Negotiations on further education pay for the next academic year will resume next Wednesday (14 June).

UCU Scotland president praises member effort over pay dispute

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:03:42 GMT

After the agreement reached last night the UCU Scotland president has written the attached open letter.

Deal reached in university pay talks

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:57:05 GMT

A deal has been reached today (Tuesday) at the latest round of pay talks between the trade unions representing university staff and the university employers.

Further HE pay talks held under TUC/ACAS

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:05:01 GMT

UCU joint general secretary Sally Hunt and head of higher education Malcolm Keight had a range of discussions with other parties last Thursday to seek to get the higher education pay negotiations back on track.

Members mark UCU launch with HE pay solidarity events

Wed, 29 Nov 2006 19:06:04 GMT

The creation of new union UCU is today being marked by a day of solidarity by its higher education members who are involved in a major national pay dispute.

University and College Union launches 1 June

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 16:15:08 GMT

The new University and College Union has today been created by the amalgamation of the Association of University Teachers and NATFHE The University & College Lecturers' Union.

Academic freedom: the case for legal protection AUT EIS joint statement

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:24:28 GMT

A historic joint statement between AUTS and EIS on the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Bill was issued today at a press conference in the STUC.