An update from the University’s The Senior Leadership Team on the outcome of discussions that have taken place over the last week with UCU regional branch representatives, in respect of the marking and assessment boycott and ongoing industrial dispute:
We are pleased to be able to inform colleagues that following these discussions, UCU has agreed to suspend the marking and assessment boycott with immediate effect. This follows the University’s offer to pause Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) pay deductions on the condition that the boycott is suspended and remaining marks are delivered, and that colleagues resume all other responsibilities, including IPAPs and supervision sessions, also with immediate effect. In respect of annual leave, where a request has already been approved, this will be honoured. Any new requests for annual leave will be considered by managers on a case-by-case basis, subject to maintaining services to our students.
In addition to the above, the University has offered to increase the already significant voluntary severance package to 12 months’ salary, for all colleagues who remain at risk of redundancy. The voluntary severance offer is currently being considered by colleagues who are directly affected. We will keep staff informed about the status of the wider dispute as these discussions progress.
We hope this positive news will help reassure colleagues who have been working extremely hard to deliver marks to students on time during this challenging period. We are grateful to UCU colleagues for continuing to work with us to bring this dispute to a conclusion, in the best interests of all our staff and students.