The University and College Union (UCU) has confirmed that industrial action will continue over the summer term in the form of action short of a strike (ASOS) including a marking and assessment boycott (MAB). Staff should inform their School or Department if they are participating in this action.

The University recognises that any period of industrial action will be challenging, appreciates that colleagues do not undertake industrial action lightly and respects their right to participate. We also recognise and appreciate the widespread commitment of many colleagues to continue to protect the education of our students and the integrity of their awards.

However, where ASOS takes the form of the withdrawal of labour for part of a day or from contractual duties, either as a one-off or on a continuous basis, this could constitute partial performance, and the University reserves the right to deduct salary for each day of ASOS. Participation in the ASOS marking and assessment boycott is considered by the University as partial performance and amounts to a breach of contract.

In line with the approach taken by the majority of universities, for the period of Monday 15 May to Friday 16 June inclusive, 50% of pay will be withheld for any member of staff participating in the MAB – ie refusing to set or mark coursework, examinations or other assessments or withholding marks.

Further details are published on the University’s HR webpages.

The University has published contingency regulations which outline the steps that we expect to take to mitigate the potential impact of the boycott on students, should it become necessary.