Safety must be at the heart of universities’ rebuilding plan

Protecting health has to be the number one priority

Commenting on the release yesterday (Wednesday) by Universities UK (UUK) of a set of principles to support the higher education sector as it emerges from lockdown, UNISON Northern Regional Secretary Clare Williams said:

“Universities have to work with unions to make campuses safe for students and staff and this plan is a good first step. It provides a much-needed roadmap for the sector to begin rebuilding after the pandemic. 

“Protecting health has to be the number one priority. Everyone on campus needs to commit to the same safety blueprint if it’s to be truly effective.

“It’s concerning that workers employed by cleaning, security and catering contractors aren’t mentioned in the guidance. We hope universities and private companies will ensure all staff are protected, regardless of who employs them.”