• Important We have issued detailed guidance for FE branches in light of the UK government's announcement that many colleges across the UK are expected to reopen. All guidance is continually under review. Please contact your branch or regional office if faced with an urgent issue.
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UCU launches 'Fund the Future' campaign to secure universities and colleges

Covid-19 FE

Information for FE members

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

UCU's further education committee met on 24 April 2020 and agreed a statement on the Covid-19 crisis, which can be read here.

See also: TES: Colleges need to guarantee staff will not 'face any financial detriment' due to coronavirus, says UCU

Reopening colleges

In light of the UK government's announcement that colleges in England should reopen we have also issued advice to FE branches to inform discussions with employers about any future return to the workplace [220kb].

Education unions, including UCU, have also set out  five tests government and colleges must meet [153kb] before staff and students can return.

UCU has also published five key areas to inform risk assessment discussions around a return to work in FE workplaces and we have written to FE colleges about our approach to negotiating around any return to onsite working:

Similarly in Wales, there are indications that the Welsh government will soon announce that colleges should reopen; please see the protocols agreed with the joint unions for a return to face-to-face working..

FE specific advice

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

Crisis impact

News from the frontline as the impact of the crisis hits:

Last updated: 24 July 2020