Information for FE members

UCU's further education committee met on 24 April 2020 and agreed a statement on the Covid-19 crisis, which can be read here.

See also: TES: Colleges need to guarantee staff will not 'face any financial detriment' due to coronavirus, says UCU

Reopening colleges

After the UK government's announcement that colleges in England should reopen we issued advice to FE branches to inform discussions with employers about any future return to the workplace [220kb].

Education unions, including UCU, set out  five tests government and colleges should meet [153kb] before staff and students return.

UCU has also published five key areas to inform risk assessment discussions around a return to work in FE workplaces and we have written to FE colleges about our approach to negotiating around any return to onsite working:

• Covid-19 - FE's five Ws, May 20 [178kb]
• UCU FE letter: onsite return negotiations, May 20 [157kb]

In Wales, please see the protocols agreed with the joint unions for a return to face-to-face working..

Is it safe to reopen universities and colleges?

Catch up with our online event held in advance of colleges and universities reopening:

FE specific advice

Has the government issued any specific advice for colleges and universities?

My university or college has asked me to provide online learning or supervision to students?

I am on a casual contract, what are my rights if classes do not take place?

I have been asked to record a lecture or class for playback off campus to students?

I am an international member of staff or student on a visa. How would non-attendance due to coronavirus affect me?

I am due to travel outside the UK as part for my work. What should I do?

Am I allowed to give students advice about not attending face to face lectures or classes?

Read the full UCU advice here

Crisis impact

News from the frontline as the impact of the crisis hits:

• Westminster government must follow Welsh lead in supporting colleges and universities
• College survey highlights need for immediate government help
• Unfair dismissal warnings as Bradford College announced plans to axe over 100 staff
• Fury as Blackburn College announces plans to sack staff but boost bosses' pensions
• Macclesfield College under fire for forcing staff to come in for VIRTUAL open day
• Unions set out five tests government and colleges must meet before staff and students can return