On 10^th April 2020, Universities UK sent proposals to the Government (see https://universitiesuk.ac.uk/news/Documents/uuk_achieving-stability-higher-education-april-2020.pdf), highlighting concerns that they have regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the state of the UK’s universities, and recommending action by Ministers to support the university sector. Critical within the proposals offered by Universities UK (UUK) are:

• An acknowledgement that universities generate more than £95 Billion for the UK economy, 940,000 full-time equivalent jobs, increase social mobility, drive innovation and research, contribute to the UK’s world standing and play a role in the lives of local communities and businesses
• A fear that COVID-19 will negatively impact the ability of UK universities to continue providing the benefits that they do to society
• A recognition that universities are pro-active players in the fight against COVID-19 through scientific endeavour, sharing of assets and support for local communities
• A need for central Government to invest in universities to secure their continuing work

UUK suggest that, within the 2019/2020 academic year, across the UK, universities will lose around c£790 million of income (through, for instance, accommodation and catering). This financial prediction is worsened by a projection that, in 2020/2021, there will be a significant fall in the number of international students and a rise in home student deferrals. The implications for HE institutions are potentially grave and could result in: some research activities ceasing (due to funding restrictions); leading academics leaving UK universities; and increased competition across the UK sector (which could itself damage some institutions).

In terms of social impact, without adequate funding, the capacity of universities to positively influence skills building and social mobility (especially amongst groups who are less likely to attend HE) may be limited. Additionally, damage could be caused to the UK’s HE reputation (both in terms of teaching and research), and also there might be shortages of specific graduate-level skilled workers, and even the failure of certain institutions (which, of course, has effects on local economies and job markets).

To avoid these catastrophic outcomes, UUK has proposed that the government should take appropriate action:

1. To mitigate the impact on the strength, capacity and quality of the research base
2. To provide stability to UK students entering HE in 2020/2021
3. To mitigate the impact on the supply of highly skilled employees across all areas of the UK (including public services) and preserve student choice
4. To maximise value to the taxpayer and meet the needs of the economy
5. To address losses in income and cash flow
6. To mitigate the impact on international student recruitment

UUK’s proposals are far reaching and would necessarily require action by HM Treasury, the Departments for Education and Business and the relevant Departments of devolved administrations. At this challenging time, what UUK reasonably suggest is that a co-ordinated UK plan is needed to enable universities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to recover and flourish in the future. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Government accepts these proposals and, if so, how it will manage the ‘devil in the detail’, which could be so critical to the future survival, shape and mission of the UK’s universities.

Members have contacted us for advice on various issues associated with working from home. As a result we have been in contact with the University and can supply the following guidelines during the current emergency:

1.  The University has confirmed that it recognises the challenges introduced by the need to care at home for children and/or other family members under current restrictions while working from home.

2.  It is therefore asking staff to focus on task completion and developing home-working patterns which enable them to manage family and work responsibilities rather than strict timekeeping.

3.  It follows from this that departments/Colleges should adopt a flexible approach and not, for example, request that staff supply time sheets when this is not part of its normal practice.

4.  Everyone’s contract will be honoured regardless if they can only work less than their normal hours, but staff should do their best to work as productively as current conditions allow.

5.  The University is responsible for supplying and maintaining any extra equipment/facilities necessary for working, including working from home. Supplying may include providing a full size keyboard and mouse to replace the standard laptop facilities; maintaining includes provision of consumables for your own printer, for example. You are strongly advised to seek permission prior to incurring any additional expenses for home working. That includes any excess internet usage (noting that work usage could tip you over the edge on your normal contract usage, so you are advised to check your contract), printer ink, etc. UCU is also asking the University that arrangements be put in place for key equipment to be ordered for staff for home delivery. 

UCU will circulate any further advice as it becomes available.

Stay safe.

Swansea UCU Committee