UCU statement on Ukraine

In a statement of solidarity, UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'The situation in Ukraine is devastating to witness and on behalf of the University and College Union I am sending best wishes and solidarity to all those affected.

'As hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians flee their own homes from the Russian invasion, it is vital that our government removes all barriers to Ukrainian citizens coming to the UK and ensures a comprehensive package of support is available to those that arrive here. Anything less is a dereliction of duty and should be condemned as such.

'It should not be forgotten that war also brings additional challenges for those from Black, disabled and LGBT+ communities. We must remind all governments, especially our own, of their duty to treat all refugees equally and with dignity, no matter which community they come from or which conflict they flee from.'

Update: education union solidarity fund - Education International (EI), the global union federation for education workers including UCU, has launched a solidarity assistance fund for members of Ukrainian education unions who are still in Ukraine or have been forced to flee the country and are now refugees. For details of how members and branches can contribute to the education union solidarity fund, as well as current statements from EI on the war in Ukraine, please click here.