Accidents have been going up in UoM for a while, and the University is losing a lot of time off in sick pay due to stress. We need people to help UoM hold itself to account over these issues. So we are asking for members to step up to support our current (encyclopaedic) H&S rep Nicola, who will happily discuss with anyone interested. Note that H&S reps have a venerable history, going all the way back to legislation passed in 1974 [hse.gov.uk]. After receiving training—for which the Employer must give them time off—H&S reps have arguably the strongest protection of trade union representatives; they are entitled to independent time off (or workload relief) to fulfil their duties; and, when correctly viewed as critical friends of the Employer, play a valuable role in the University community that can be flagged in promotion applications.

Please do consider stepping up; the time-commitments would be tailored to your capacity. Get in contact with ucu@manchester.ac.uk to find out more.

In 2023 UMUCU in consultation with our members issued 11 areas where we sought improvement in the promotions process. Despite resistance from the employer we observed some limited but positive changes in subsequent processes across certain areas. More recently a well consulted process ran to develop clearer criteria for T&S promotions, a process which UCU were included in and support. Unfortunately changes were then made to all promotions criteria without consultation and this had led to changes which reduce transparency, increase complexity and threaten trust in the promotions process. This is compounded by a promotions appeal procedure which is not fit for purpose, a reality acknowledged by previous P&OD leadership. Whilst UoM can review promotions processes, it should do so in a way that reflects best practice and that has not been the case and as a trade union UCU cannot then reassure our members the process will be fair and free from bias.

We repeat our previous demands restating our 11 minimum criteria and request that any review ensures our promotions processes also align with the JNCHES agreement.

During discussions we requested that promotions criteria were mapped out so progression and differentiation were clearer in each criteria. This included the alignment of criteria by job role so progression could be more easily tracked. We are committed to working positively with the employer, but when this does not happen we are committed to leading discussion with our members, something which we have had to do here with promotions and with the travel policy proposals which we released in Dec and will be raising at Feb TUNG.

We will look initially to form a working group from within our membership to develop our proposals for change. Please join us to help lead positive change for the benefit of all academic staff.

UMUCU currently has a shortage of personal case reps – volunteers, who after undergoing some basic training, support UMUCU members facing problems at work. 

Typical situations where a member might need support are: 

• Defending themselves against an allegation of misconduct 

• Submitting a complaint about bullying 

• Requesting that ‘reasonable adjustments’ are put in place 

• Dealing with work related stress 

• Defending themselves against an allegation of poor performance 

You don’t need to be an expert on everything in order to become a personal case rep. You can start by focussing on a single type of problem, only moving onto other areas once you feel ready. There is always support and advice available from existing, experienced case workers. Most members are so glad to have someone helping them through a difficult situation that they don’t mind if you can’t answer every question immediately and sometimes need to seek advice from a case worker colleague. 

Please email ucu@manchester.ac.uk if you’re interested in finding out more. 

Everyone has the right to a safe workplace. No-one should be injured or made ill because of their work.

The best way to ensure that workers are protected is to have union Health & Safety (H&S) reps. Therefore, UCU is looking to identify members to serve as H&S reps, playing a crucial role in communicating H&S concerns and ensuring employees’ safety needs are met. According to the UNIAC external auditor, University restructures have damaged the H&S provision and accidents have been increasing.

The University has many health, safety and welfare committees, on which UCU needs representation. Commitment can be as little as attending one committee meeting per year, though most are still only once a quarter. We will ensure proper support, with available training courses, shadowing opportunities, and H&S professionals within UMUCU at hand to advise. By law, you are entitled to reasonable paid time off from your role to undertake these duties.

If you are interested in taking on this important role, please email ucu@manchester.ac.uk, so we can discuss the responsibilities and next steps. Your participation will contribute greatly to promoting a safe workplace for everyone.