As you know, industrial action called by the Universities and Colleges Union (UCU) is set to begin tomorrow, Thursday 22 February. As this is a national dispute concerning a large pension scheme involving hundreds of higher education employers, we are not free to resolve this dispute on our own, or with our own staff. We remain deeply frustrated by the apparent deadlock in discussions at national level, but we are continuing to lobby those involved to restart negotiations, call-off the action and consider alternative options.

Though we can’t be sure how many members of staff will be participating, we expect many classes to go ahead as usual. The UCU has asked those members taking part to inform you of their decision already so we hope that you will not encounter classes that have been cancelled without advance notice.

We are doing everything we can to make sure that this action has as little impact on your studies as possible. Throughout the action, the University’s campuses and centres will all be open as usual with libraries, study spaces and PC rooms, student services, catering, accommodation and sports facilities operating as normal. You should also have full access to all the buildings and facilities you would expect.

We have published revised information on the action, how it might affect you, what we are doing to reduce its impact and what you can do to work through it and seek appropriate advice and support.

We recognise that this is a difficult, uncertain and worrying time for you. It is, however, vital that you continue to study as usual. Unless you are informed otherwise, you should continue to attend all timetabled classes, continue working on projects and assessments and continue to submit assessments on time.

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated wherever possible.