Broadcast: News items

Today (Wednesday 9 February) Siobhan O’Reilly, Director of HR, wrote to all staff. You can view her message below:

Dear colleague,

The University and College Union (UCU) have notified the University of Sussex that they are calling on their members to take strike action from Monday next week (14 February). Some staff will be exercising their legal right to take industrial action. This is scheduled to take place over the following dates:

• Week 1 – Monday 14 February to Friday 18 February
• Week 2 – Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 February
• Week 3 – Monday 28 February, Tuesday 1 March and Wednesday 2 March.

Why have the strikes been called?

UEG members and UCU local and regional representatives are continuing talks about this round of strike action. If it goes ahead it comes after three days of action on 1-3 December 2021 and is in relation to ongoing, national disputes about pay, working conditions and pensions.

In addition, some UCU members are taking another form of industrial action known as action short of a strike (ASOS) until May 2022. ASOS typically means staff carry out their core duties but do not take on any additional responsibilities.

Action short of a strike

UCU’s instructions for action short of a strike are as follows:

• Only working contracted hours and duties and not volunteering to do more.
• Not rescheduling classes and lectures cancelled due to strike action.
• Not covering for absent colleagues.
• Removing uploaded materials related to, and/or not sharing materials related to, lectures or classes that will be or have been cancelled as a result of strike action.

This is a national dispute but we are continuing discussions with local UCU representatives as we are all keen to find a resolution to this dispute quickly, given the potential length and significant implications of ASOS on our students’ experience.

How would campus be affected?

Depending on your role you may not be directly affected by any strike action.

Likewise, some students will experience little or no disruption as a result of any strike action. For those who are impacted, we would be doing everything possible to support students and their education. 

Our focus has been, and will continue to be, minimising the disruption to our students and their learning outcomes.

What to do if you are taking action

We ask that members of teaching staff who decide to take strike action cancel their classes in advance in Sussex Direct or via an announcement on your Canvas module.

It is University policy that staff are required to notify the institution that you have taken strike action, which you will be able to do via an electronic 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.

Support available

We recognise any period of industrial action is difficult for everyone involved. As with previous periods of industrial action, 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. We will provide the space for different views and decisions, while maintaining a culture of dignity and respect. If you would like additional support please visit our wellbeing hub.

Further information

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

For updates on the USS pensions position from UUK go to https://www.ussemployers.org.uk

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 Human Resources