Frequently asked questions on Collective Consultation
I have been told my post is at risk. What should I do?
First, remember that you are not alone. Sussex UCU is supporting members throughout the consultation process and we are committed to ensuring that every member has access to advice, representation and support.
If your post has been identified as at risk, you will be invited to an individual consultation meeting with management. We strongly encourage you to be accompanied by a UCU representative or trained volunteer.
Am I entitled to have a union representative at my consultation meeting?
Yes.
You have the right to request that a union representative or workplace colleague attends your consultation meeting as an observer and supporter. We strongly recommend that members exercise this right.
How do I arrange union representation?
- Check the list of trained UCU representatives and volunteers and contact the person assigned to your department or area.
- If there is no representative available in your department, or you are unsure who to contact, email our Casework Officer, Danny Millum, at millumdanny@gmail.com and we will arrange support.
What support is available beyond the consultation meetings?
We are holding weekly online drop-in sessions for all UCU members every Friday at 11am.
Join here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81633079749?pwd=bOwV1OrYZ1IgGGKXhr2C9SoYggweZe.1
These sessions provide an opportunity to:
- ask questions about the consultation process
- share concerns and experiences
- contribute to branch strategy and consultation responses
- connect with colleagues and union representatives
What are individual consultation meetings?
Where an employer is proposing large-scale redundancies, employment law requires a collective consultation process.
As part of that process, staff must be offered individual consultation meetings. These meetings are intended to give employees an opportunity to:
- understand the proposals affecting them
- ask questions
- express concerns and views
- suggest alternatives
- receive responses from management
Management is required to give genuine consideration to the points raised during consultation.
Are these meetings selection interviews?
No.
Individual consultation meetings are not selection interviews and are not used to determine who will ultimately be selected for redundancy.
The purpose of these meetings is consultation, not selection.
Members should use the opportunity to question proposals, challenge assumptions, highlight concerns, and discuss alternatives to redundancy.
Should I offer to reduce my hours during the meeting?
We advise members not to present a reduction in hours or a move to a fractional contract as an individual solution during consultation.
If you are interested in exploring fractional working, you may wish instead to ask management:
- whether this option is being considered more broadly
- how it would operate in practice
- what modelling or calculations have been undertaken
- whether it forms part of a wider strategy to avoid compulsory redundancies
What does a UCU representative do?
A UCU representative is there to support you before, during and after the meeting.
Before the meeting they may help you:
- understand the consultation process
- identify questions you want to ask
- review the business case documents
- prepare any points you wish to raise
During the meeting they can:
- take notes
- ask questions
- seek clarification from management
- help ensure that your concerns are heard
After the meeting they can:
- discuss what was said
- help identify any follow-up actions
- assist in checking the accuracy of meeting notes or minutes
Why are these meetings important?
These meetings matter for two reasons.
First, they provide an opportunity for individual members to raise concerns, challenge proposals and ensure that their views are formally recorded.
Second, the information gathered through these meetings helps Sussex UCU build a collective response to the University’s proposals. Concerns, evidence and alternative ideas raised by members can be fed back into departmental and university-wide consultation discussions.
What questions should I consider asking?
Members may wish to ask why alternatives to redundancies are not being pursued.
Examples include:
- What steps have been taken to avoid compulsory redundancies?
- Have the proposals contained within the Sussex Community Plan been fully considered?
- Has the University considered reducing senior management costs?
- Has the University explored bringing consultancy and planning services in-house?
- Has the University considered the wider use of voluntary fractional contracts as an alternative to job losses?
- What other measures have been examined before proposing staffing reductions?
Who can I contact if I need help?
For advice, support or assistance finding a representative, contact:
Danny Millum
Casework Officer
millumdanny@gmail.com
Sussex UCU is here to support members throughout the consultation process. We encourage anyone with concerns to get in touch as early as possible.
Learning and Further Resources
All workers should have access to training and development and university employees are no exception.
If your continuing professional development needs are not being met by your employer we can help you find relevant training or you want to see improvements to the Sussex training offer the branch can negotiate on this.
UCU and the TUC offer a range of education and training courses and resources. When applying to attend a course, please inform our Learning Rep Ciaran Clark who is able to support you in securing your statutory rights to time-off for training.
Sussex UCU, Brighton, UK 
