The Friday email: 3 April 2020

Universities and colleges can lead post-virus recovery

UCU general secretary Jo Grady has written to secretary of state for education, Gavin Williamson, calling on the government to provide immediate support to colleges and universities to ensure they can help lead the recovery when the coronavirus is over. The letter sets out seven proposals to protect jobs, retain academic capacity, guarantee that no institution will go to the wall, and confirm that furlough arrangements will apply to all staff - including those on insecure contracts.

Please take the time to write to your local MP to ask for their help in ensuring post-16 education is not negatively impacted by the current crisis. We are also working with UCU colleagues in the devolved administrations on how best to support their lobbying efforts and make sure all those making key decisions about the sector's future are aware of UCU members' views. More news on that next week.

Coronavirus guidance for members

The union has produced a range of guidance for members as follows:

• dedicated website area for advice on coronavirus for members in further, higher, adult or prison education
• coronavirus and your rights at work
• working from home and teaching online
• taking care of yourself during the pandemic
• UCU operational note including contact and staffing arrangements.