UCU response to OfS actions to tackle sexual violence

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'Sexual violence against students and staff has been allowed to become rife on campus, and action from the OfS to push universities and colleges to properly tackle this issue is long overdue.  

'We are also pleased that our calls for universities and colleges to be prevented from using non-disclosure agreements in sexual harassment cases have been heeded. 

'Staff on casualised contracts are often held back from speaking up for fear of losing their jobs or not having their short-term contracts renewed. These power imbalances belong in the past and universities and colleges must finally recognise that casualisation can allow sexual violence to more easily continue and that they must take action to bring staff onto secure contracts.'