QM_UCU
@qmucu.bsky.social
Local University & College Union branch at Queen Mary University of London. || Account checked only part-time; allow time for responses or reach us via email. https://qmucu.org/
Pinned
QM_UCU
@qmucu.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Quick digest of what's happening
⭐️ reorganisation: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
⭐️ management break-in in union office: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
⭐️ punitive deductions: qmucu.org/2023/09/12/l...
⭐️ legal challenge to deductions: qmucu.org/working-grou...
⭐️ news: qmucu.org/itn/ pic.x.com/Skb3gbpm86
⭐️ reorganisation: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...
⭐️ management break-in in union office: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
⭐️ punitive deductions: qmucu.org/2023/09/12/l...
⭐️ legal challenge to deductions: qmucu.org/working-grou...
⭐️ news: qmucu.org/itn/ pic.x.com/Skb3gbpm86
Reposted by QM_UCU
To say there's been anger about the Plan 2 student loans recently is an understatement. But what about those who have both a Plan 2 loan and a master's loan?
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/scandal...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/scandal...
‘Scandalous’ master’s loans ‘forgotten’ in student debt debate
English system that provides funding for less than cost of third of degrees, with repayment thresholds frozen below minimum wage, ‘no longer fit for purpose’
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:34 AM
To say there's been anger about the Plan 2 student loans recently is an understatement. But what about those who have both a Plan 2 loan and a master's loan?
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/scandal...
www.timeshighereducation.com/news/scandal...
Reposted by QM_UCU
Some days I can't decide if the UK is in advance of the US (there is no tenure in #UKHE, finances are opaque/dire), or behind (unis still "public" - maybe?).
Is there comparative international research on declining uni funding & increasing academic precarity? I would like to read work like this...
Is there comparative international research on declining uni funding & increasing academic precarity? I would like to read work like this...
Our flagship public universities are already not "public" universities. Soon, they'll either be fully privatized, or they'll be "universities." The question for places like UW - Madison is which one we'll become. Others have already made their choices. And the rest simply haven't admitted this yet.
Here is UW - Madison's budget. Our <largest> funder is the federal government. 25%. It used to be the state. Either way, the university in its current form ceases to exist if these federal cuts really happen. But The. Public. Doesn't. Know. This. And our leaders are absent from the public debate.
February 5, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Some days I can't decide if the UK is in advance of the US (there is no tenure in #UKHE, finances are opaque/dire), or behind (unis still "public" - maybe?).
Is there comparative international research on declining uni funding & increasing academic precarity? I would like to read work like this...
Is there comparative international research on declining uni funding & increasing academic precarity? I would like to read work like this...
Reposted by QM_UCU
Another day, another report setting out the grim experiences of disabled students in #UKHE. As usual there are no real surprises in this for university disability practitioners like me, but the fact these issues persist should make unis hang their heads in shame www.gov.uk/government/p...
Disabled people's lived experience of education in the UK: an evidence review
www.gov.uk
February 6, 2026 at 8:28 AM
Another day, another report setting out the grim experiences of disabled students in #UKHE. As usual there are no real surprises in this for university disability practitioners like me, but the fact these issues persist should make unis hang their heads in shame www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by QM_UCU
Reposted by QM_UCU
But if you 'raise the floor', don't you bang your head?
Career Advice | AI Can Raise the Floor for Higher Ed Policymaking
Used carefully, AI tools can aid us in developing university policy based on evidence, not anecdote or intuition. https://bit.ly/4qZoiKK
#EDUSky #HigherEd #AcademicSky
Used carefully, AI tools can aid us in developing university policy based on evidence, not anecdote or intuition. https://bit.ly/4qZoiKK
#EDUSky #HigherEd #AcademicSky
February 5, 2026 at 2:49 PM
But if you 'raise the floor', don't you bang your head?
Essex (uni & local community) is facing brutal cuts. Our members know from experience how much it matters to fight back and to know you've got the support of the rest of the membership in that.
Donation should be with you now @ucuessex.bsky.social, and our solidarity you'll continue to have #UKHE
Donation should be with you now @ucuessex.bsky.social, and our solidarity you'll continue to have #UKHE
February 6, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Essex (uni & local community) is facing brutal cuts. Our members know from experience how much it matters to fight back and to know you've got the support of the rest of the membership in that.
Donation should be with you now @ucuessex.bsky.social, and our solidarity you'll continue to have #UKHE
Donation should be with you now @ucuessex.bsky.social, and our solidarity you'll continue to have #UKHE
Reposted by QM_UCU
In the UK, exacerbated by a democratic and accountability deficit, racist policies, and a crumbling financial model.
It feels like it's been impossible to get people outside of higher ed to understand that eliminating staff/programs/majors is primarily an ideological project, whatever claims are made about finances.
What's happened at the Post is what's been happening in higher ed for ages.
What's happened at the Post is what's been happening in higher ed for ages.
February 5, 2026 at 2:49 PM
In the UK, exacerbated by a democratic and accountability deficit, racist policies, and a crumbling financial model.
Reposted by QM_UCU
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social are on strike 12, 13, 17-19 Feb and 2-6 March to stop bosses @northumbriauni.bsky.social slashing pay and pensions forever. Please donate to the branch fighting fund here: Unity Trust Bank, UCU Northumbria Univ NE119, Hardship Fund, SC 608301, AN 20295578
February 5, 2026 at 6:58 AM
@ucunorthumbria.bsky.social are on strike 12, 13, 17-19 Feb and 2-6 March to stop bosses @northumbriauni.bsky.social slashing pay and pensions forever. Please donate to the branch fighting fund here: Unity Trust Bank, UCU Northumbria Univ NE119, Hardship Fund, SC 608301, AN 20295578
Reposted by QM_UCU
Marie is our Regional Support Officer & is fantastic.
Trade union victimisation is indefensible & abhorrent. To see it done by a union employer undermines the work of all trade unionists.
We have written to the GS to call for a stop to the victimisation and to settle the dispute.
#HandsOffMarie
Trade union victimisation is indefensible & abhorrent. To see it done by a union employer undermines the work of all trade unionists.
We have written to the GS to call for a stop to the victimisation and to settle the dispute.
#HandsOffMarie
📣 Hands off Marie!
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
Tell @drjogrady.bsky.social and @ucu.org.uk to stop victimising Unite UCU's safety rep.
✍️ jgrady@ucu.org.uk
#HandsOffMarie
#UniteTheUnion @unitetheunion.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Marie is our Regional Support Officer & is fantastic.
Trade union victimisation is indefensible & abhorrent. To see it done by a union employer undermines the work of all trade unionists.
We have written to the GS to call for a stop to the victimisation and to settle the dispute.
#HandsOffMarie
Trade union victimisation is indefensible & abhorrent. To see it done by a union employer undermines the work of all trade unionists.
We have written to the GS to call for a stop to the victimisation and to settle the dispute.
#HandsOffMarie
Reposted by QM_UCU
Honestly completely irresponsible how press & policy makers rely on one man so obviously ideologically committed to a failed policy he drove through when he was special advisor to Willets.
He's spent his career lashing out about that, and press & policy makers have enabled him.
He's spent his career lashing out about that, and press & policy makers have enabled him.
January 23, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Honestly completely irresponsible how press & policy makers rely on one man so obviously ideologically committed to a failed policy he drove through when he was special advisor to Willets.
He's spent his career lashing out about that, and press & policy makers have enabled him.
He's spent his career lashing out about that, and press & policy makers have enabled him.
Reposted by QM_UCU
Go get them!
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University begins High Court challenge against £585k free speech fine
The University of Sussex says the watchdog overstepped its legal powers in imposing the fine last year.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Go get them!
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by QM_UCU
A lot of people outside of Higher Education have very little idea of how physically and mentally demanding lecturing can be...and that's when all the other demands of the job are ignored.
UK universities need more full time permanent staff.
UK universities need more full time permanent staff.
Phased return and reduced hours are hard. Some days I feel back to normal, over-do it and then end up shattered. Tomorrow will be a challenge with teaching 9-1, then 5-7 - that's my 6 hours for the day right there.
I really hope employers take note of the Birmingham HSE case on work-place stress.
I really hope employers take note of the Birmingham HSE case on work-place stress.
February 4, 2026 at 10:54 AM
A lot of people outside of Higher Education have very little idea of how physically and mentally demanding lecturing can be...and that's when all the other demands of the job are ignored.
UK universities need more full time permanent staff.
UK universities need more full time permanent staff.
Reposted by QM_UCU
Together we are stronger. Join the Union join.ucu.org.uk
Stronger together ✊
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
Hear from #LboroUCU members on why union membership matters and how we support each other.
Be part of it: ucu.lboro.ac.uk/join/
@ucu.org.uk #UCU #JoinAUnion
February 4, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Together we are stronger. Join the Union join.ucu.org.uk
Reposted by QM_UCU
Need advice about workload, sickness, performance management, or bullying/harassment? Birmingham UCU has trained caseworkers who can support you. Start by checking the ‘getting help’ section on our website:
Birmingham UCU
The University of Birmingham Branch of UCU
birminghamucu.org
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Need advice about workload, sickness, performance management, or bullying/harassment? Birmingham UCU has trained caseworkers who can support you. Start by checking the ‘getting help’ section on our website:
Reposted by QM_UCU
I am genuinely really pleased that Sussex under Sasha Roseneil has decided to fight this decision when many other VCs would have simply given in. The OfS decision is such a dangerous precedent for the sector
Stock resigned. So what is the point of this fine and whose interests does it serve?
Certainly not those of the students and staff at University of Sussex.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Certainly not those of the students and staff at University of Sussex.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University begins High Court challenge against £585k free speech fine
The University of Sussex says the watchdog overstepped its legal powers in imposing the fine last year.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:59 AM
I am genuinely really pleased that Sussex under Sasha Roseneil has decided to fight this decision when many other VCs would have simply given in. The OfS decision is such a dangerous precedent for the sector
Surely, SURELY, that's malpractice and whatever the outcome of the trial should lead to a complete overhaul of the regulatory system of #UKHE?
Add it to the pile that Parliament already has, and please, can the all-party group (e.g.: @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social?) do something? please?
Add it to the pile that Parliament already has, and please, can the all-party group (e.g.: @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social?) do something? please?
February 4, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Surely, SURELY, that's malpractice and whatever the outcome of the trial should lead to a complete overhaul of the regulatory system of #UKHE?
Add it to the pile that Parliament already has, and please, can the all-party group (e.g.: @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social?) do something? please?
Add it to the pile that Parliament already has, and please, can the all-party group (e.g.: @nataliegreenpeer.bsky.social?) do something? please?
Reposted by QM_UCU
Finally the contracts are signed and the merger is set to take place in August. What will happen to staff at Kent and Greenwich? We keep asking but not much is forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Greenwich and Kent announce merger to become UK’s first ‘super-university’
Formal approval given for new university group to operate from August, with both institutions keeping their names
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Finally the contracts are signed and the merger is set to take place in August. What will happen to staff at Kent and Greenwich? We keep asking but not much is forthcoming.
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Reposted by QM_UCU
Not just a university restructure but a coastal town losing its future.
Rally tomorrow, 12–1pm, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend (SS1 1NS).
Be there.
Rally tomorrow, 12–1pm, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend (SS1 1NS).
Be there.
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Not just a university restructure but a coastal town losing its future.
Rally tomorrow, 12–1pm, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend (SS1 1NS).
Be there.
Rally tomorrow, 12–1pm, The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend (SS1 1NS).
Be there.
Reposted by QM_UCU
'“You’ve got these silos between the different government departments dealing with higher education, research, business [and] skills,” he said. “They’re all doing their own thing and none of them are all concerned with geography, what goes on where.”' (Goddard) 2/2
February 4, 2026 at 7:59 AM
'“You’ve got these silos between the different government departments dealing with higher education, research, business [and] skills,” he said. “They’re all doing their own thing and none of them are all concerned with geography, what goes on where.”' (Goddard) 2/2
Reposted by QM_UCU
'John Goddard, emeritus professor of regional development studies at Newcastle University, said Labour’s devolution agenda can bring opportunities for expanding higher education provision in cold spots, but a lack of cohesion across government departments could be a barrier.' 1/2
Can new universities save left-behind towns and cities?
Fresh models of university outposts emerging in regions without access to higher education as financial crisis sees shuttering of traditional campuses
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:59 AM
'John Goddard, emeritus professor of regional development studies at Newcastle University, said Labour’s devolution agenda can bring opportunities for expanding higher education provision in cold spots, but a lack of cohesion across government departments could be a barrier.' 1/2
Reposted by QM_UCU
'As the regulator for all higher education providers in England, the outcome of the challenge against the OfS will have far-reaching implications for its ability to enforce freedom of speech and academic freedom at universities.'
Abolish the OfS, the metastisising cancer of English HE.
Abolish the OfS, the metastisising cancer of English HE.
University begins High Court challenge against £585k free speech fine
The University of Sussex says the watchdog overstepped its legal powers in imposing the fine last year.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 8:11 AM
'As the regulator for all higher education providers in England, the outcome of the challenge against the OfS will have far-reaching implications for its ability to enforce freedom of speech and academic freedom at universities.'
Abolish the OfS, the metastisising cancer of English HE.
Abolish the OfS, the metastisising cancer of English HE.
Go get them!
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University begins High Court challenge against £585k free speech fine
The University of Sussex says the watchdog overstepped its legal powers in imposing the fine last year.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 4, 2026 at 9:22 AM
Go get them!
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Office for Students is the most ideological undermining of the notion of a “regulator” and through that higher education in general. Parliament deemed them not fit for purpose in 2023 yet somehow nothing has happened to rein them in. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by QM_UCU
Solidarity with staff at Sheffield who are facing similar brutalising pay deductions for ASOS to those we have experienced @qmucu.bsky.social
Punishing staff with 💯 pay deductions on days they are working but protecting their rights to take industrial action says a lot about failing uni leadership!
Punishing staff with 💯 pay deductions on days they are working but protecting their rights to take industrial action says a lot about failing uni leadership!
@sheffielducu.bsky.social accuses managers of "bullying tactics" after staff told they will face further pay deductions for not rescheduling teaching missed during industrial action www.timeshighereducation.com/news/sheffie... via @julietterowsell.bsky.social
Sheffield strikers lose more pay for not rearranging teaching
University accuses staff of ‘breach of contract’ for failing to reorganise lectures lost during recent industrial action
www.timeshighereducation.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Solidarity with staff at Sheffield who are facing similar brutalising pay deductions for ASOS to those we have experienced @qmucu.bsky.social
Punishing staff with 💯 pay deductions on days they are working but protecting their rights to take industrial action says a lot about failing uni leadership!
Punishing staff with 💯 pay deductions on days they are working but protecting their rights to take industrial action says a lot about failing uni leadership!
Reposted by QM_UCU
I’m really sorry, even having left this feels quite miserable to watch. I also find it deeply frustrating that at no point in this article anyone asks the question ”but how will you make this financially viable” because surely this must mean cuts somewhere
February 4, 2026 at 9:10 AM
I’m really sorry, even having left this feels quite miserable to watch. I also find it deeply frustrating that at no point in this article anyone asks the question ”but how will you make this financially viable” because surely this must mean cuts somewhere