- Conference
- 2022 Virtual Higher Education Conference
- Date
- 12 October 2021
- Decision
- Carried
Conference recognises the immense contribution our members working on campus have made throughout the coronavirus crisis. These members are often the lowest paid and had little choice but to return to campus even if they felt anxiety about doing so. While branches worked hard to ensure workplaces were as safe as possible and Risk Assessments fit for purpose, inevitably there was still risk and our frontline members faced it.
Predictably, the autumn term for 2020/21 saw a high number of coronavirus cases in universities, particularly in student accommodation. It was, and is, our members who are on the front line every day supporting students in their residences. Our members are the forgotten frontline workers; preparing and delivering food, keeping accommodation clean and safe, carefully handling gatherings of students and supporting students who have been ill, distressed or anxious and depressed.
Unfortunately these same staff who have worked tirelessly to support Universities throughout the pandemic are also least able to take advantage of HEI policies on more flexible working arrangements including Agile and Blended working policies.
Conference agrees that these staff need to be recognised, celebrated and rewarded. UNISON in Higher Education needs to campaign to promote the importance of our members’ jobs and continue our work to ensure Professional Support Staff are recognised for the amazing work they do.
Higher Education Conference calls on Higher Education Service Group Executive to:
1)Research best and worst practice in HEI’s for front facing Professional Support staff including; pay, rewards and working conditions.
2)Share the research data and provide support to branches to negotiate better conditions for these members.
3)Run a campaign promoting the diverse and important work our members in Higher Education do.