Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions her Department has had with the (a) University and College Union and (b) Universities and Colleges Employers Association on potential industrial action by university staff.

The department has regular meetings with representatives of trade unions that have members in the higher education sector, including the University and College Union, as well as Universities UK and the Universities and Colleges Employers Association.

These discussions include matters related to industrial disputes, such as use of fixed-term and casual contracts, the health of the Universities Superannuation Scheme pension fund and data on impacts of strikes on students and their learning, but not the industrial disputes themselves.

Universities are autonomous and responsible for the pay and pension provision of their staff.  While the government plays no role in such disputes, the department hopes all parties can reach an agreement that delivers good value for students, staff and the universities, so that industrial action can be avoided.

It is disappointing that students who have already suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic face further disruption to their learning due to industrial action. The department hopes that all sides can work together so that students do not suffer with further learning loss.

If students are worried about the impact of strikes on their education, they should raise this with their university.

The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education have published a guide to handling complaints arising from significant disruption: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/providers/handling-complaints-arising-from-significant-disruption/.