Displaying items by tag: compensation

At least 36 universities are facing compensation claims from more than 170,000 current and former students who argue they did not receive the full educational experience they paid for during the Covid pandemic. The legal action follows a confidential settlement between University College London and the Student Group Claim, which represents thousands of students on a no-win, no-fee basis. UCL has not admitted liability. The claims are being brought under consumer law, focusing on the difference in value between in-person tuition and remote learning. During lockdowns, universities shifted rapidly to online delivery, with limited access to campus facilities. Students on practical courses, including fine art and laboratory-based subjects, say they were particularly disadvantaged. Universities UK describes the pandemic as an unprecedented challenge requiring swift adaptation. Some institutions say they provided established routes for compensation at the time. However, legal firms argue students borrowed heavily at high interest rates for an experience that was significantly altered, and more claims may follow before the September 2026 deadline.

Rishi Sunak has pledged 'comprehensive compensation' for those affected by the UK's infected blood scandal, following a damning public inquiry. The scandal, which involved the infection of 30,000 people with HIV and hepatitis through NHS treatments in the 1970s and 1990s, has led to around 3,000 deaths, with more expected. The inquiry found that authorities exposed victims to unacceptable risks and attempted a cover-up, marking it as the NHS's largest treatment disaster. The Government, reportedly setting aside £10 billion, will outline the compensation plan, covering categories like injury, social impact, autonomy, care, and financial loss. Sunak condemned the scandal as a 'day of shame for the British state' and assured the House of Commons of the Government's commitment to funding the compensation. Opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer also apologised for Labour's past involvement and supported swift compensation for victims. The inquiry's 2,527-page report emphasised that the disaster was avoidable and involved deliberate concealment by officials.