EU, HE and ‘brexit’

Referendum on final Brexit deal – consultation with UCU members

At its recent meeting the national executive committee (NEC) agreed to consult members on whether to support a second referendum on the final Brexit deal negotiated by the UK government.

There are a range of views about Brexit within the union. However the NEC was clear that the decision about whether UCU should support a second referendum should be members and that we should encourage all our members and branches to debate the issue.

The consultation will be run for UCU by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) and will begin on Monday 3 September and close in mid October.

Between now and then the national union will set up a distinct part of the website so that members can read articles and blogs and share their views with others before making their decision. Branches will be provided with briefing materials to enable them to hold debates on the issue too.

Brexit is a defining political event for the UK. But it will also have a significant impact upon the post-16 education sector and those who work in it.

Brexit legal services for UCU members

Members worried about their right to work, or remain working, in the UK can now access union support.  Download the new poster promoting our legal service expansion. UCU is leading the fightback against xenophobia and racism. Guidance, resources, advice available here.

 

University of Warwick EU Referendum Immigration Advice

Following the Immigration Briefing delivered by Shakespeare Martineau in January, the University has arranged some further advice sessions.

Solicitors from Shakespeare Martineau will visit the University to provide an individual document-checking service and individual immigration advice service to colleagues who may be impacted by Brexit. The sessions will each last for a maximum of 30 minutes and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.

http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/insite/news/intnews2/guidance_eu/advice

 

UCU view

By any definition, further and higher education are international and outward facing. UK education has always had among the most international of labour forces. Our range of students also reflects the cosmopolitan nature of our universities and colleges.

Some 15 per cent of university academic staff and 5 per cent of students are EU nationals – helping to make the UK a top destination for students from around Europe.

Recent polling from YouGov for UCU that revealed that:

  • 42% of academics – and three-quarters (76%) of non-UK EU academics – said they were more likely to consider leaving UK higher education following the Brexit vote
  • A third (29%) of respondents said they already know of academics leaving the UK
  • An overwhelming majority (90%) said they think Brexit will have a negative impact on the UK higher education sector

News

Tier 2: is it Brexit ready?

Eye opening article from Freemovement.org.uk relating to the potential issues that Brexit combined with Tier 2 will cause employers trying to fill positions with staff from the EU and overseas post Brexit.

UCU Warwick supports
#onedaywithoutus

1 Day Without Us is a National Day of Action on 20th Feb 2017 to celebrate the contribution of migrants to the UK, to coincide with UN World Day of Social Justice.

Warwick UCU and the University of Warwick will be holding a symbolic event to mark our commitment to our international friends and colleagues, and to the continuation of a strong international role for Warwick.

On 20th February, at 12:30, we ask as many members as possible to come to the Piazza to show your support.

 

University of Warwick

The University of Warwick VC Stuart Croft blogged in response to the vote:

http://blogs.warwick.ac.uk/execteam/entry/reaction_to_the/

UCU welcomes the strong stance that he has taken with regards to this issue.

An all staff meeting was held in July

https://www2.warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/events/asm/jul/

UCU wrote to the VC following an open meeting to gather questions and concerns.  More details here.