It's been a while since our last update, so apologies for that! Clearing, casework, and a return to campus have all been competing for the branch's attention, but we thought it'd be a good idea to gather some information about returning to campus as we start the new academic year.
Firstly, a quick update on financial situation. As you may have heard in the Vice Chancellor's most recent Q&A, NTU have recruited around 10,500 undergraduate students (their target was 9500). The situation is still changing, of course, and NTU are expecting both dropouts and lower numbers of international students, but the University has an easier financial challenge now - they're looking at a hit of around 30 million, rather than the original 60 million. This is certainly a positive outcome; as Edward said, if NTU could manage the 60 million back in April, with the existing measures in place they should be able to easily manage 30 million. Mere pocket change, really.
NTU, redesigned
As we head into the strange new term, some staff are returning (or have already returned) to campus, and it's an understandably nerve-wracking experience. NTU, redesigned is a page on MyHub that has been designed as a one-stop shop for information about returning to campus - including areas like health and safety advice, guide for vulnerable staff, use of buildings and working remotely in the new term. Below is a link to the page:
If you have any concerns about returning to campus, talk to your line manager in the first instance - they should be able to reassure you and give you information about your specific departments. As always, you can also get in touch with us about your concerns and we will raise them with HR.
Face Coverings
NTU has updated their position on face coverings, both in keeping with new Department of Education guidance and as a result of staff feedback through unions, line managers, and the Q&A. Face coverings must now be worn on campus in shops, confined spaces, and communal areas. Local risk assessments may need to be revisited over the next couple of weeks, to identify where face coverings may be needed in specific areas such as labs and libraries, but any risk assessment changes will be added to NTU, redesigned and line managers should be able to update staff on how face coverings will be implemented in their areas.
Vulnerable Staff
Unfortunately, not all staff are able to work from home and there are concerns about individual safety upon returning to campus. NTU recognise that there are some members of staff who are at higher risk than others, and have developed a specific area of NTU, redesigned regarding vulnerable staff:
We'd also like to draw your attention to the section on individual risk assessment. This has been developed for staff to measure their individual level of risk by determining their Covid age, and then working with their line manager to implement mitigations to reduce this risk. Ideally this form should be completed before returning, but due to the rapidly changing nature of the current situation some staff may have already been required on campus. Please talk to your line manager about completing this risk assessment and let us know if there are any issues.
No Going Back to Normal
Will back to normal mean back to undervalued? Our key workers deserve better. In the public services nurses, care workers, cleaners and more made the ultimate sacrifice to help others. Find out more about the latest UNISON campaign, No Going Back to Normal
No Going Back to Normal
Will back to normal mean back to undervalued? Our key workers deserve better. In the public services nurses, care workers, cleaners and more made the ultimate sacrifice to help others. Find out more about the latest UNISON campaign, No Going Back to Normal
Joining Unison
Now, more than ever, is the time to join UNISON, and it'd be great if members could encourage their colleagues to get involved. It takes 3 minutes to sign up online, and they'll receive benefits such as:
- Support from trained representatives
- Collective bargaining on members' behalf
- Free training
- Legal and financial assistance
- Opportunities to get involved with the branch
Please find the link to join below:
Solidarity,
Jess and Stuart