2022 Update
UNISON is working to ensure that staff are paid properly and treated fairly, and that colleges operate safely in 2022.
We know that many staff will be worried and anxious during this time, and UNISON is doing everything it can to uphold your rights at work, guarantee your financial position and safeguard your health.
UNISON has produced some FAQs setting out the latest advice for college staff working in England and Wales.
For general information about your rights at work during this health emergency please visit our dedicated web page.
The health and safety responsibilities owed by college employers
College staff have a right to a safe working environment and individuals shouldn‘t have to work where they reasonably believe that they (or others) face serious and imminent danger. The following link outlines main health and safety legislation, including your rights not to face serious and imminent danger at work (Section 44 ECRA 1996). UNISON branches can advise members how to use their rights if you feel you are being put at serious or imminent risk.
If you have any concerns or other questions, please contact your local UNISON branch.
Safe colleges for all
Our joint union guidance on practical steps describes the measures you can ask your employer to implement to keep colleges safe in this stage of the pandemic.
Practical Steps Covid-19 Summer v7 (003)
UNISON published joint union guidance with NEU, GMB and Unite to explain the current government guidance for clinically vulnerable people.
Read the vulnerable members advice (Spring/Summer 2022) here
You can also find extra advice in the FAQs below. Please contact your branch if you have any concerns.
Colleges in England
UNISON advice applies to all support staff working in further education and sixth form colleges.
Updated guidance in response to the spread of the omicron variant
The Department for Education has published updated advice to colleges in England. This advice states that:
- Contact tracing has ended and contacts are no longer required to self-isolate
- Face coverings are no longer required in most colleges unless a local outbreak plan identifies a need for them.
- Risk assessments should identify poorly ventilated spaces and take measures to address this
- Colleges can apply for a clean air unit (7000 are available) for classrooms/workrooms where adequate ventilation cannot be achieved
- An outdoor air supply should be used when possible and should be balanced with the need to maintain a comfortable temperature
- Learners should be on-site for a similar number of hours to pre-pandemic expectations
Colleges in Scotland
Guidance for members can be found on our UNISON in Scotland pages.
Colleges in Wales
The Welsh Government has published general help and guidance for further education providers and students. They have also published some specific safe operation guidance for post-16 learning providers.
Further advice can be found our UNISON in Cymru/Wales pages.
Colleges in Northern Ireland
The NI Executive has stated the following:
FE colleges return to face-to-face teaching for all students in the new academic year and as ‘normal’ an academic learning environment as possible with social distancing in the classrooms removed.
Further information can be found on our
Further information can be found on our UNISON in Northern Ireland pages.
External sources of information
The Department for Education (England) has produced guidance for colleges:
The Association of Colleges (in England) has produced guidance for its members:
Colleges Wales issued the following statement for its members:
Advice for staff in Scotland is available at this link and in the resources section below.
Please note the FAQs below are currently being revised.