This week (25 November) the Director of HR, Siobhan O’Reilly, wrote to all staff. You can read the email in full below:

Dear colleague, 

From Wednesday next week, some staff will be exercising their legal right to strike. This action is due to take place from Wednesday 1 December for three consecutive days, finishing on Friday 3 December. 

The Universities College Union (UCU) has also called for a period of action short of a strike (ASOS), from 1 December until no later than 3 May 2022.

Any period of industrial action is difficult for everyone involved. The University will be working to ensure that our students’ education and learning outcomes are not disadvantaged whilst respecting our colleagues’ right to take lawful action.

However, given the potential length and significant implications of ASOS on our students’ experience, the University hopes that a resolution to this national dispute can be found quickly.

If you are taking action, the University policy is that staff are required to notify the institution that you have done this. You can do so by clicking on this link and submitting the form. In addition, all staff who take strike action must inform their line manager, if this information is requested.

The University is entitled to withhold pay for individuals who breach their employment contract by striking and will do so at a rate of 1/365th of annual salary for each day of action. This is pro rata for part-time staff. Please be advised that the University also reserves the right to deduct pay for ASOS.

Please visit the staff web pages where you can access FAQs and further information.

Our focus has been, and will continue to be, minimising the disruption to our students and their learning outcomes. We also ask that members of teaching staff who are taking strike action cancel their classes in advance in Sussex Direct or via an announcement on your Canvas module.

We have also been providing information to students and you can see that guidance on the Student Hub.

Best wishes,
Siobhan O’Reilly

Director of HR