Staff at Coventry University woke up to no March salary in their bank accounts as the University was unable to pay them due to “problems processing pay this month, which does point to this being a wider UK IT systems and / or banking system problem.” They say they have a back-up plan for staff to paid by the 1st of April but...

We’re not so sure about this – any bankers or IT specialists out there to verify this?

During this time UCU continues to champion your rights, your safety and your working conditions. 

We have written to the People Team below, please have a read.

Email to People Team

Dear People Team

It has been extremely disappointing for all staff at Coventry University to be informed this morning (31st March) that the March payroll has not been processed.  The delay in pay has raised the anxiety levels of staff who are already feeling the immense pressure of a national lockdown, new patterns of working with increased and  constantly changing workloads.

Your emails clearly state that the People Team and Payroll were aware of the developing situation since last Friday (27th March).  However, you only informed employees on pay day. We note your claim as to “the unprecedented strains on the UK IT systems and / or the banking system at this time” however this has not prevented other institutions from paying their staff in a timely manner. 

We require responses to the following questions: 

1. Why was the back-up plan not implemented sooner to avoid the current situation?  
2. Why was there no timely and transparent communication?
3. When was the Vice Chancellor informed about this situation?  If he knew, why was it not communicated in his all staff email yesterday on 30th March?
4.  How quickly will refunds of any charges and interest be processed? 

We look forward to hearing from you as a matter of urgency so we can do our best to reassure staff.

Regards

UCU Committee