This week your UCU Branch Committee sent an email to the VC about concerns, with reference to the email announcement on Thursday 7th May that some Coventry University buildings were going to open on 25th May.

This came as a shock to many staff and to UCU as we had not been consulted at that time. On Wednesday 13th May, we sent the below email to our VC asking for urgent discussions into the university’s preparations in creating a safe working environment for all staff.

Want to know more? Have a read below.

Preparations for a safe environment

Dear VC

The UK government has announced measures to ease up on lockdown restrictions. At the same time, Frances O’Grady (TUC General Secretary) has stated,

“All employers must now carry out and publish risk assessments in consultation with unions and their workforces.  After the confusion of the last few days, working people will only feel confident if the government and employers act now to make safer working, a reality in every workplace.”

In addition, Boris Johnson has stated that employees need to return to safe working spaces with “spot inspections”. (Source: The Guardian)

UCU also reiterates the necessity for real assurances that the working environment is safe, which places the health and safety of the university community at its core in a post COVID-19 world. In order for the university to consider reopening, significant preparations are required which must engage UCU constructively. Hence, we demand urgent discussions into the university’s preparation for creating a safe environment for all staff. We suggest regular online meetings in order to develop plans for a safer working environment. 

Due to the current circumstances we request a response by tomorrow morning with meetings scheduled by this week. 

Finally, we would like to reiterate that the university’s focus must be about the health and safety of the university community.

Stay Safe

UCU Committee