Over the last few days professional services staff in departments across the University have been asked to agree to work outside their contracted hours, including evenings and weekends, to support students during the exam period. Despite all three trade unions raising questions about how the process would be managed back in Feb 2021, it is only in the last week that we have received concrete proposals, at the same time as they were circulated to departments.
We know how hard our members have worked over the pandemic, and we know how long hours in difficult situations have led to many of you building up TOIL and/or annual leave that you simply don’t have time to take. We therefore asked that any hours worked outside of contracted hours in order to cover the exam period be paid at non-contractual overtime rates. Disappointingly the University is only offering Grades 1-6 TOIL at flat rate during the working week, and overtime or TOIL at 1.5 at weekends, but only if this exceeds 36.5 hours a week.
UNISON feel that this proposal is inadequate, and fails to acknowledge the huge workloads and wide variety of personal circumstances that members are juggling. TOIL is not equivalent to adequate overtime payments, especially if you cannot find time to take it! We want to underline to all members that if your department attempts to press you into working additional hours to cover exams, you have the right to refuse, and should not be made to feel guilty for saying no.
We understand that staff are deeply committed to students, and to supporting them through the exam process, but the University should have properly consulted with unions (and, indeed departments!) and discussed these arrangements months ago.
If you are considering agreeing to work these hours, we advise that a confirmed arrangement with your manager for how and when you will be able to take the time back without creating extra pressure in your regular duties should be agreed at the same time as the additional hours you will be working.
We are continuing to formally pursue this with the University, and will let you know if there are any updates.