Commenting on the release today (Wednesday) by Universities UK (UUK) of a set of principles to support the higher education sector as it emerges from lockdown, UNISON senior national officer Ruth Levin said:
“Universities have to work with unions to make campuses safe for students and staff and this plan is a good first step. It provides a much-needed roadmap for the sector to begin rebuilding after the pandemic.
“Protecting health has to be the number one priority. Everyone on campus needs to commit to the same safety blueprint if it’s to be truly effective.
“It’s concerning that workers employed by cleaning, security and catering contractors aren’t mentioned in the guidance. We hope universities and private companies will ensure all staff are protected, regardless of who employs them.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Garfield Myrie M: 07778 158175 E: g.myrie@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk