As part of the response to COVID-19, the University of Southampton Executive Board has been working together and is in regular communication with the University recognised campus Unions (UCU, Unison and Unite) and we have jointly had constructive conversations about the response to the COVID-19 situation. The University has appreciated the input from the Unions in this matter. These discussions have focused on how we can help students complete their studies, the changes in working practices for staff, and how we support staff and students during these uncertain times.
University senior management and campus trade unions will continue working together on pragmatic solutions as the situation unfolds, protecting the health and wellbeing of staff as we respond to the current crisis. A healthy, secure and effective university community is the foundation of both the student experience and the sustainability of the institution.
A number of staff have raised concerns with line managers and their trade unions about the scale and duration of the changes to working practices put in place at this time. Where temporary changes to working practices have been made, such as home working and transitioning to online teaching and assessment, these are a result of the current coronavirus situation. Senior management and campus trade unions agree that these are for a limited duration and do not constitute a permanent change to collective agreements with unions or staff terms and working conditions. If, as seems inevitable, some of the changed working practices will need to remain in place beyond the end of the summer term 2020 we will continue working together to ensure that these matters are regularly and fully discussed, to ensure that trade unions are consulted on their implications.
On behalf of:
| University Management | UCU | Unite the Union | Unison |
| Richard Middleton | Lucy Watson | Alastair Dilworth | Gwen Gordon |
| Chief Operating Officer | Branch President | Branch Chair | Branch Secretary |
