Category: Uncategorized

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One month ago Sussex University staff were asked to answer a poll on cost cutting within the University. This understandably prompted concerns about job security, pay and working conditions, and we are still awaiting an update on the University’s financial situation or what cost cutting measures may be implemented. One week ago all staff were…

15 reasons why face-to-face teaching should not be compulsory in a pandemic

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The position of Sussex UCU, as confirmed by vote in our EGM of 28 September, is that face-to-face (in-person) teaching, like all on-campus work during the pandemic, should be voluntary, and not compulsory, and should not carry the threat of disciplinary actions and dismissal. Sussex UCU supports the UCU national position that universities should take…

In-person teaching during the pandemic: is it really about student mental health?

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Over the last few months, the issue of student mental health has moved to the centre of debates in or around UK Higher Education. It is seldom away from newspaper headlines, government guidelines or communications from Vice Chancellors, including Adam Tickell at Sussex, whose weekly ‘View from the VC’ on 11 September marked the point…

Why Inviting Police onto Campus is Not Reassuring

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On Thursday 5 November University of Sussex Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell wrote to all staff announcing a heightened police presence on campus. Having explained that last Saturday saw “a very heavy Police presence on campus” because of “incidents involving Sussex students’”, the Vice Chancellor confirmed that the police have now been invited to patrol campus.…

Sussex union and students press the University to halt redundancies at Chartwells

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As the University of Sussex’s catering contractor Chartwells presses ahead with plans to make 70% of its staff redundant on 17 November despite the extension of the government furlough scheme, unions and students have written to the University outlining why it must step in to stop this. 23 October 2020 From: Sussex campus unions To:…

Sussex UCU branch view on the proposed USS 2020 valuation

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Prepared for the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) and the University of Sussex by the Sussex UCU Pensions working group, in response to the USS 2020 valuation discussion document published September 2020. All Sussex UCU members and wider groups of staff were consulted throughout the preparation of this view. Employers have been asked to respond by…

Letter to VC from a UCU Member

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UCU Reps and Exec fully endorse the following letter that was sent to the Vice Chancellor from one of our branch members: Dear Professor Tickell, I am writing to express my dismay, frustration and hurt at your latest ‘View from the VC’ of 1/10/2020, which – to my mind – epitomises and makes explicit the…

Mass catering job cuts planned at the University of Sussex

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Trade Unions condemn “Fire and rehire scandal PRESS RELEASE Chartwells, which provides the majority of catering at the University of Sussex, have announced they will make over 70% of their staff redundant on 17 November. This puts 39 of 55 posts at risk. They have also made clear that they will employ agency workers. Chartwells…

Face to face teaching and voluntary on-campus work

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We note the messages to staff and students in the last few days from the VC, the PVC for Education, and the Chief Operating Officer, as well as the email to all staff Return to campus: guidance for all staff, and the most recent Return to campus webinar. A consistent theme of these messages is…

Sussex UCU statement on Hong Kong National Security Law

Apr 10, 2024

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