Industrial Action Information
Wednesday 27 May 2020
Update on the local UCU dispute at Hallam
A number of meetings have been held during the past few months in relation to the local UCU dispute about workload planning. The University has been working with UCU to reach an agreed way forward and it has been clear throughout that both parties are committed to finding a resolution to the local dispute as soon as we can.
We have moved significantly to address all of UCU’s concerns over the last few months and made an updated offer to UCU relating to academic staff workload planning. Following constructive and positive negotiations, the UCU Branch has agreed that strike action relating to the local dispute on work planning should be suspended. UCU also agreed to take the offer to a ballot of their membership which, if passed, would result in the conclusion of the local dispute.
With regards to the national dispute, the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) represents higher education institutions, including Sheffield Hallam University, in national pay negotiations. They have proposed joint work on the non-pay elements of the trade union claim and talks are described as constructive and progress is being made. More information can be found on the UCEA website.
In respect of pay, Sheffield Hallam is one of 147 universities who are part of a collective bargaining agreement. Along with other universities, we implemented a pay award for 2019/20, which is the subject of this continuing dispute, in September 2019. We remain committed to the principle of national collective bargaining.
In respect of casual employment, the University makes use of a range of contracts. Associate Lecturers employed by the University are on indefinite contracts. We undertake a biennial review which enables existing Associate Lecturers who meet a number of published criteria to request transfer to a substantive academic contract.
In respect of pay gaps, the University is committed to addressing both gender and ethnicity gaps and has published plans to realise its commitments. The median gender pay gap for academic staff is 1.6%. The gender pay gap across the whole institution is larger and explains our recent focus on addressing issues in relation to our lowest paid support grades, as well as extending the Living Wage Foundation hourly rate to all employees, including casual workers.
How will assessments be affected?
You should assume that any assessment deadlines already set will remain in place. You will be informed in good time if there are any deadline changes.
We will ensure that you are not disadvantaged in any assessment activity. Hand-in dates and deadlines may be extended if these are affected by any cancelled teaching.
We will make every effort to ensure that feedback is returned as normal. However, it is possible that some feedback may be subject to a delay. We will do our best to keep you informed if this is the case.
What is the strike action about?
The UCU are taking strike action in a national dispute about pay, pensions and workload management. At Sheffield Hallam University the UCU national action is specifically over salaries, the gender and ethnic pay gap, workloads, and some employment practices.
In addition, at Sheffield Hallam University, UCU locally voted in support of strike action in relation to a dispute over contractual matters of workload and the academic workload planning model.
Contacts
We want to help you access information in as many ways possible. You can:
- Check this webpage via MyHallam for the latest information and FAQs
- Speak to your my Lecturer / Academic Adviser / Supervisor or other staff
Further Information
We have drafted some FAQs (see below) to help answer any queries that you might have, and we will revise and update these accordingly.
If you have questions or concerns you should continue to use your normal channels to academic staff and other services. If you are feeling anxious as a result of this strike action you can take advantage of the University’s Student Support Services who can offer wellbeing and other support. You can also contact the Advice Centre at Hallam Students' Union.
If you are dissatisfied with the arrangements put in place by the University in relation to the industrial action, you can raise a formal complaint. The University’s Student Complaints Policy and Procedure and formal complaint form (SC1 form) can be found on MyHallam, on the Rules and Regulations page.
Frequently asked questions
Background
Effect on studies
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Will it be necessary to compensate me for any lectures, seminars or tutorials that don't take place?
Your student fee covers a wide range of activities and services, including scheduled teaching sessions. We are committed to ensuring alternative arrangements for any lost learning opportunities and consequently we hope it will not be necessary to compensate students. We will continue to keep this under review.
If you have made exceptional arrangements incurring cost to attend University for your studies, please contact IndustrialActionEnquiries@shu.ac.uk providing details of the arrangements, your course and dates.
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How is money from salary savings not paid to striking staff being reallocated for the benefit of students?
We have now agreed with the Students’ Union exactly how we will reallocate the first tranche of salary savings from staff taking strike action in November 2019 in ways which will directly benefit students.
The value of this first tranche of salary savings is around £200k. Sheffield Hallam has more students from under-represented backgrounds than any other university, and we have agreed to use this money to increase financial help for particularly disadvantaged students over the rest of the academic year.
There will be more discretionary funding available to care leavers, estranged students and carers. Additional funding will be available for the student success scholarship in semester 2, meaning more student parents, students from refugee backgrounds, disabled students and those from low income backgrounds will have a greater chance of receiving a larger award.
We will also increase the amount of money available to our hardship fund in the current year, which can benefit any (including international) students facing significant unforeseen financial circumstances.
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Will the strike action count as extenuating circumstances?
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Will assessments and exams be affected by the strike action?
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What impact with the action have on my dissertation / final year project?
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Will I get my feedback on assessed work as expected?
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Will my marks be affected by the strike action?
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Will my attendance record be affected by the strike action?
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I am an international student with a Tier 4 visa. Will the strike action affect my attendance record or visa?
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Will there be changes to the academic calendar or the examination period as a result of the strike action?
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Can I still contact my Lecturer / Academic Adviser / Supervisor or other staff during the strike period?
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Where can I go for advice and support?
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I have specific personal circumstances which are not addressed by these FAQs, what do I do?
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Where can I find more information?
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Office for Students advice for students
What support services are available?
Libraries
Adsetts and Collegiate libraries will remain open 24/7 and can be used for independent study if you find lectures or workshops cancelled as a result of the strike.
- Skills Centre advisors are available to provide advice on your written work.
- Librarians can help with digital and skills, such as referencing help
- Digital services are available, including Reading Lists Online, Subject Guides, and Library Search to support course and assessment work.
Student Support Services
Student Support Advisers (SSAs) can help and offer advice if you feel your ability to study is affected. You can talk to them about what other specialist services you can access across the university. The services are all confidential and non-judgemental. If you need help, you can go to any Hallam Help Point or book to see your SSA on UniHub.
Student Wellbeing
If you are feeling anxious or concerned about the strikes and their impact on you and your study, Student Wellbeing can help. They provide information and advice to support you and help you manage your studies.
Chaplaincy
The Multifaith Chaplaincy team is drawn from a wide range of religious traditions. They can provide spiritual and pastoral care, religious advice and guidance, whatever your religious affiliation.