UCU welcomes Durham University's move to scrap nine-month contracts

UCU has today welcomed a move by Durham University to scrap the use of nine-month contracts for teaching staff.

The decision follows an online campaign by a group of casual staff at the university, which highlighted that many teaching staff on nine-month contracts were not being paid for preparatory work undertaken over the summer months.

UCU backed the campaign and formally requested that all fixed-term contracts at the university should last for a minimum duration of 12 months.

UCU regional support official, Jon Bryan, said: 'The university's decision is welcome news for staff at Durham University. UCU has consistently raised concerns about the rise in precarious work in higher education sector, and the nine month contract was a particular bone of contention. 

'The move will mean more security for staff and we will continue to work closely with the university on the other issues facing staff on insecure contracts."