Looks like we are not the only people to take issue with the V-C's reported comments on funding for students who lack a-levels
11.03.2026 15:26
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Looks like we are not the only people to take issue with the V-C's reported comments on funding for students who lack a-levels
We recognise management’s right to review structures, but any major restructure must be genuinely co‑produced with staff, trade unions and students from the earliest stages – not presented as a near‑final package. That is the standard Birmingham UCU will insist on.
BUCU General Members’ Meeting this Wednesday 11 March, 12–1pm (online). We’ll be discussing Congress motions, the new REF29 Code of Practice, and the university’s proposed major restructure. All members welcome.
On International Women’s Day and every day, we stand with Women Against the Far Right, Birmingham Black Sisters and all who organise against fascism and gendered violence in our city.
Tomorrow - Lunchtime social
Step away from your desk and have lunch with other BUCU members.
All welcome
12-1pm Cafe Aroma, 1st floor, staff building.
Birmingham UCU met with the Provost on 6 March to hear early plans for possible changes to the College structure at UoB. We’re engaging members now so your views shape our response from the very start. We will be inviting members and non-members to an open meeting in the coming days
Hey Kelly. What you are experiencing is due to systemic failures NOT you. The people responsible for managing and mitigating stress in our workplace need to do more.
Midlands Together Against the Far Right International Women's Day
🗓 Sunday 8 March, 12:00
📍 Assemble: Victoria Square, Birmingham
Bring colleagues, friends, placards and banners. Let’s show that our campuses and communities are united against misogyny, racism and the far right.
@julietterowsell.bsky.social @timeshighered.bsky.social @chrishavergal.bsky.social We are planning to get some words to you soon in response to V-C Tickell's reported comments about "bad risk" students "not really capable of graduating"
Yes, the funding model is broken – but rationing opportunity is not the answer. We need fair funding, decent maintenance support and investment in access and in‑study support so every capable student can succeed, whatever route they took to get here.
Students without A‑levels are more likely to be working‑class, care‑experienced, disabled, mature and racially minoritised, often via BTECs, access courses and foundation years. Restricting loans by qualification route would hard‑wire existing inequalities into who gets to go to university.
Today’s @theguardian.com piece reports our VC suggesting a review of student loans for people entering HE without A‑levels and saying some are “not really capable of graduating”. This is a dangerous way to frame students.
UCU is joining the Together Alliance national demo on 28 March in London. Trade unionists, community activists, faith leaders, musicians — all marching together against the rise of the far right.
Coaches from Birmingham
Public talk on accent bias in HE, led by Christian Ilbury from the University of Edinburgh, at the University of Birmingham, UK, at 6pm on 29th April.
I have long been aware that our students (and staff) who speak with local accents experience discrimination.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/events/tackl...
As a trade union branch we support all efforts to challenge discrimination in HE. Thanks for sharing.
Trade unions: minimum service level laws and key 2016 restrictions on industrial action and picketing are being repealed, and there will be new rights to time, space and access for union reps and organisers from Oct 2026.
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Precarious contracts: new rights to guaranteed hours that reflect actual hours worked, plus better protection around late shift cancellations, are being phased in.
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Fire and rehire: from Oct 2026, dismissing and re‑engaging to force through changes to pay, hours, leave or pensions will usually be automatically unfair unless the university can show genuine financial necessity.
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📢 Birmingham UCU members – the Employment Rights Act 2025 is now live and it’s a big shift for us in HE.
Key points for staff at UoB:
Unfair dismissal: qualifying service will fall to 6 months and the cap on compensation is going, increasing the risk to employers who sack staff unfairly.
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In the 2025/26 People & Planet University League, the University of Birmingham scored zero for trade union involvement in sustainability governance. Staff voice is missing. BUCU is calling for a joint union–management sustainability group so workers have a real say
Solidarity from Birmingham
Tomorrow - Lunchtime social
Step away from your desk and have lunch with other BUCU members.
All welcome
12-1pm Cafe Aroma, 1st floor, staff building.
Our colleagues deserve safety, transparency and meaningful support.
• legal, financial & pastoral support for anyone affected
• protections for vulnerable groups
• proper involvement of recognised trade unions
• clear comms to all staff on flexible working & compassionate leave for those with loved ones in conflict zones
We have written this evening to the VC requesting urgent clarity on how UoB is protecting staff and students at the Dubai campus during the current crisis.
We’re calling for:
• up‑to‑date risk assessments and evacuation plans
• clear options for relocation or remote working
IRON LADIES at MAC Sunday 15th March : film + Q&A on the women at the forefront of the 84–85 Miners’ Strike, from Scotland to Kent, whose organising reshaped working-class political activism.
UCU is part of the Together Alliance mobilising a national demonstration against the far right on 28 March in central London. There’ll be a UCU bloc with flags and banners. Trade unionists, students, communities – let’s march together and stop the far right.
BUCU Members - Did you know you’re entitled to reasonable paid time off and proper facilities to carry out any union role and attend UCU training? Despite what your manager or HR might tell you - this is the law.
“When I began teaching, I joined UCU because the people in the union seemed cool – and because I quickly realised I needed to organise with my peers. If you’re feeling isolated or precarious at UoB, BUCU is where you’ll find your people.”
Betsy Porritt - BUCU Anti-casualisation officer
Tomorrow - Lunchtime social
Step away from your desk and have lunch with other BUCU members.
All welcome
12-1pm Cafe Aroma, 1st floor, staff building.