Statement on Unite dispute, February 2026

The position of UCU, which we can evidence and have made very clear to both the UCU Unite branch and the individual concerned, is that this accusation is categorically untrue.

Given that information has been made public by the staff member and Unite, we can confirm that a member of UCU staff is currently subject to an investigation under UCU's employment policies, which are agreed between management and trade unions.

It is possible that the investigation could lead to disciplinary proceedings, but that is not the case at present and has not yet been determined.

To ensure the highest possible level of integrity and openness, the case is being examined by an external investigator, who will be making recommendations on the way forward.

It is vital that UCU, as an employer, implements agreed policies and procedures consistently and effectively, and that those policies are applied to all staff without exception. We cannot and will not implement a two-tier approach to staffing that treats union reps differently from everyone else.

Everyone is bound by the same rules and expectations that apply to all staff. The current investigation has no connection whatsoever with any voluntary role in a UCU staff union. Any assertion to the contrary is completely untrue.