Displaying items by tag: Higher Education

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.

Over 70,000 university staff at 150 universities could strike after the University and College Union members voted 'yes' to strike action in two ballots. Both ballots saw the union deliver large turnouts that exceeded the necessary threshold. The union now has authority to strike at practically every university and wants vice chancellors to enter negotiations immediately with improved offers to avoid the entire higher education sector being brought to a standstill. The union’s higher education committee meets on 3rd November to decide their next steps to pressure employers into meaningful negotiations. The union’s general secretary said 'University staff are crucial workers in communities up and down the UK. They are sending a clear message that they will not accept falling pay, insecure employment and attacks on pensions. They know their power and are ready to take back what is theirs from a sector raking in tens of billions of pounds.'