From Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience

On Thursday 27 January we received notification that the University and College Union (UCU) have announced further strike days as part of the national disputes over the proposed changes to the USS Pension Scheme and over pay and conditions. This will take the form of two periods of action at Kent:   

• 14 to 18 and 21 to 22 February   
• 28 February to 2 March  

The UCU’s mandate for its members to take part in Action Short of a Strike (ASOS) – which includes members working strictly to contract, and not rescheduling any missed classes – remains in place until 3 May.  

As a university we regret UCU’s decision, particularly as it comes so soon after the December strike, but we do have our mitigation plans in place so that any disruption to your studies is kept to a minimum and, as we did in December, we will be keeping you updated with any developments. We will also provide you with guidance and information about what the strikes might mean for you, as well as the support available to you.  

While this is a national strike, we are continuing our talks with our local UCU colleagues to try and reach agreement on addressing what we all agree are important issues. You can read more about this on our webpages.  

With all good wishes, 

Richard 

Professor Richard Reece | DVC Education and Student Experience