This week sees further industrial action by some staff at Southampton and other universities nationwide. Once again, I want to apologise to students for any disruption you may experience, and I want to repeat my assurance that we will work with each of you individually to ensure you will not be disadvantaged in progressing and successfully completing your studies here.
The University and the Students’ Union are always on hand to support all students. If you do have any concerns about your studies, in the first instance please contact your faculty Student Office. Faculties and Student Support Services have made specific arrangements during the period of industrial action and we are in regular dialogue with the Students’ Union, which is also here to provide independent advice and support. I am also aware that many members of staff, including some who are taking industrial action, are making particular efforts to ensure their students are not unduly impacted, and I am very grateful to them.
Meanwhile, talks between Universities UK (UUK) and University and College Union (UCU), facilitated by the conciliation service ACAS, today enter their second week after continuing over the weekend, and they will continue this week. I am not part of the negotiations, and ACAS rightly insist on strict confidentiality while the talks take place, but I understand from both UUK and UCU that there has been constructive engagement and progress. UUK again asked UCU to suspend industrial action while good faith talks take place, but for the moment the industrial action this week continues.
As I said last week, I know the vast majority of staff, and the vast majority of students, are not involved in this dispute and simply want a resolution to be found, and soon. I will of course update you if there are any developments this week.
Professor Sir Christopher Snowden
Helpful links for students and staff:
- Student Frequently Asked Questions
- All SUSSED posts about Industrial Action
- Faculty Student Offices contact page
- List of all support services
- Students’ Union independent advice centre
