OPEN TO ALL STAFF: MEETINGS TO DISCUSS;
This is on behalf of all 3 University of Nottingham Unions and staff of all job levels and families are invited.
Both dates will be online on Teams:
Tuesday 10th June, 4PM – 5PM
Wednesday 11th June, 9AM – 10AM
On Monday 12 May 2025, the government published an immigration white paper outlining intended changes to the immigration system. As the summary of the proposals demonstrates, these proposals will further marginalize migrants in the UK. Not only will the proposed measures make it more difficult to come and stay in the UK, as well as financially costly (current costs can be viewed here), they also exude a yet further hardening of the anti-immigrant rhetoric the Labour government has adopted wholesale from its Conservative predecessor. The prime minister’s speech to announce the white paper has been widely condemned by trade unions (UCU’s statement) and migrant rights organisations.
As a branch committee we reject the distressing rhetoric and these retrograde measures. We know this is a troubling time for our migrant members and those whose loved ones are migrants. We join you in fervently hoping that many of these proposals will not be turned into law or policy. We will not stand by, nor will UCU at large.
UCU stands firmly in support of migrant members and for a fair and humane immigration system. Migrant members are formally recognised as one of the equality groups the union represents. An annual conference for migrant members is held, which elects a Migrant Members Standing Committee (MMSC) to advise the National Executive Committee [requires myUCU login]. UCU’s Stop the Cuts campaign demands ‘an end to hostile environment policies that make the UK an unwelcoming place for international students’, while UCU’s political campaigning also calls for better treatment of migrant staff. In negotiations with employers over pay and conditions, UCU has pushed to include reimbursement of immigration costs and ensuring pay levels meet government imposed thresholds for visa eligibility in the joint trade union claim.
The University of Nottingham provides a comparatively generous immigration expenses reimbursement scheme. Our branch’s strong opposition to proposals to weaken the scheme a year ago has ensured it stayed that way. The university’s ambition to be a global university, in our view, means it should do all it can to remove the excessive financial burdens migrant staff and their families face when moving to the UK.
In support of individual members, the MMSC and equality team at UCU head office continuously monitor changes to immigration law and policy. Briefing materials and webinars to help members navigate changes are regularly provided. UCU is supported by qualified immigration lawyers from Bindmans LLP. Members can also request individual legal support on matters of immigration law related to their employment. Before reaching out for legal support or to head office officials, contact the branch for casework support.
At this time, it is important to stress that however concerning the government’s announcements are, their proposals are not yet in force. The existing rules will continue to apply for now. If you find that the university appears to proceed as if new rules are already in force, for instance if you are needing to renew your visa or become eligible for ILR, please get in touch with the branch immediately so we can get you casework support.
OPEN TO ALL STAFF: MEETINGS TO DISCUSS;
UoN UCU TEACH-IN
Wednesday, 13 November, 2:30-5:30pm plus pub drinks after
Room E07 Monica Partridge Building, University Park Campus
Higher Education in the UK is in crisis, as is our own University. There is no shortage of diagnoses and prescriptions for how to resolve the impasse: higher tuition fees, ‘leaner’ institutions, amalgamated university ‘trusts’, less humanities and more STEM, etc. Parsing the options can be overwhelming—and disheartening. Many imply a future of lower quality and higher cost education for students amidst deteriorating work conditions for staff.
What are the alternatives, and how do we organise for them? To help us better understand the current situation, as well as possible future directions for HE, the UoN UCU branch is hosting an afternoon Teach-in. All students and staff are welcome. The plan is as follows.
2:30-4:00pm – Panel discussion – What is the crisis? What can be done?
This panel, chaired by our branch President, Lopa Leach, brings together speakers with a range of perspectives on: the very real challenges facing HE and UoN more specifically; varied reform options (plus trade-offs); and the wider political context influencing likely reform outcomes.
4:00-4:30pm – Coffee break and chat
4:30-5:30pm – Organising at UoN – Practical breakout sessions
This session will begin with three brief presentations from branch committee members and organisers on: (1) UoN finances and alternative financial plans; (2) casualisation at UoN; and (3) workloads at UoN. Participants will then join one of three breakout groups to discuss organising goals and strategy relating to these three themes. We will conclude by coming back together into a full group and sharing our ideas.
6:00pm till whenever – Drinks at the Johnson Arms
