All guidance is continually under review. Please contact your branch or regional office if faced with an urgent issue.

Information for FE members

Covid-19 crisis information and advice for member working in further education.

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

Latest:

Further addition to agreed protocols for a return to face-to-face working in FE in Wales
UCU response to prime minister's statement
Awarding qualifications in 2021
Critical worker status in FE in Wales: guidance [103kb]
Critical worker status in FE in England: guidance [106kb]
Government told education staff must be prioritised in Covid vaccine rollout
UCU calls for BTECs and vocational exams to be cancelled
Updated guidance on your health and safety rights in FE
Information and template letters for individual members with Covid-19 safety concerns asked to return to onsite working
UCU takes legal action against on campus health and safety

Health and safety in reopened colleges

FE specific advice

England

Critical worker status in FE in England: guidance [106kb]

FE workplace return negotiating guidance [220kb]

Covid-19 - FE joint unions five tests, May 20 [153kb]

Covid-19 - FE's five Ws, May 20 [178kb]

UCU FE letter: onsite return negotiations, May 20 [157kb]

Wales

Critical worker status in FE in Wales: guidance [103kb]

Agreed FE Wales workplace return protocols [876kb] - these Covid-19 protocols for FE have been agreed in the national negotiating Forum (WNCFE) in Wales by the employer representatives and the joint trade unions (JTU). It is the view of the WNCFE that employer and staff should abide by these protocols to help look after the safety and well-being of all. It is the view of the JTUs that these agreed protocols take precedence over the government guidance.

Further addition to agreed protocols for a return to face-to-face working in FE in Wales

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