Need to know – 30 November

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Top updates from across the University.

1. Academic Year 21/22 planning

The First Minister has confirmed that, although Covid-19 cases have stabilised, the “threat of the pandemic is not yet behind us”. For this reason, all remaining legal restrictions will stay in place, including the use of face coverings in hospitality and on public transport, and Covid vaccination passports.

The University’s existing approach, underpinned by our planning assumptions, for a phased return to campus remains in place, along with our prioritised approach for on-campus activity.

Phased return to campus.

2. Industrial Action

The University and College Union (UCU) has announced that action will take place across UK universities as follows:

  • Strike action: three full days from Wednesday 1 to Friday 3 December 2021
  • Continuous Action Short of a Strike: from Wednesday 1 December 2021 involving UCU members working in line with their contractual hours and duties and not volunteering to do more

To inform and support staff throughout this period, a new SharePoint site has been created to answer many of the queries you may have, whether you are choosing to take part in the industrial action or are looking for further information on how this may affect University operations. A briefing to support University staff in understanding the current UCU disputes around pensions and the ‘Four Fights’ is also available: Industrial action 2021

3. Travel restrictions

Increased Covid-19 restrictions have been announced as a result of the Omicron variant. This includes new travel restrictions for people entering the UK.

The First Minister has provided a further announcement, following which we will be reviewing any impact on our students and staff. Our travel webpages have been updated to reflect the latest guidance.