Government must safeguard thousands of university jobs, say education unions   

The job retention scheme should be extended – or another wage support scheme put in its place – to support thousands of university staff, such as catering and security workers who face redundancy, education unions say today (Thursday). In a joint letter to higher education minister Michelle Donelan, UNISON, GMB, Unite, the University and College Union (UCU), and the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) also warn problems with the test and trace system pose real risks to the health of staff, students and local communities. Ahead of the Chancellor’s expected announcement on further measures to protect jobs later today, the unions say the government must consider other ways of supporting the higher education sector. Other support measures called for by the five unions – representing academics, support staff, catering employees, cleaning staff, caretakers, technicians and receptionists – include full pay for all staff who need to isolate and ready access to testing to keep campuses safe. The letter also stresses the need to ensure EU research funding received by UK universities is fully maintained, given the end of the Brexit transition period is only months away. UNISON senior education officer Ruth Levin said: “Thousands of university jobs hang in the balance, and sadly many support staff have already lost their jobs. More government help is a must. “Ministers need to up their game too on testing. Delays in accessing tests and obtaining results are causing u...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release furlough ruth levin university Source Type: news