With two weeks to go until teaching is supposed to start, here we are…

Trade Dispute, ACAS Conciliation & Possible Strike Action

• UCU’s goal is resolution, not escalation.
• We are seeking the University’s commitment to ACAS conciliation on the current trade dispute.
• Members will be kept informed of progress and of any need to escalate towards industrial action. We are awaiting a response from the Vice-Chancellor by the 15.09.25. Currently, we are still planning for strike action.
• For more about ACAS conciliation, see here.

Workload & Timetabling Concerns

Members have raised serious problems, including:

• Staff told not to submit timetable change requests.
• Many colleagues left without clarity on who their line manager is.
• Some staff informed they are working over 100% on WAMS (our workload calculating system) including workloads of 130-150%!!
• Funded research work is being pushed into evenings/weekends as no time is allocated in WAMS.
• WLP (workload plans) are not accurate and tasks such as Open days, interview days and marking ‘shaved off’.

Management response:

• The Deputy Vice-Chancellor acknowledged difficulties but confirmed that no one should be over 100% in WAMS.
• Deans are reviewing gaps and reallocating workloads.
• Clarification on line management structures is expected soon, with updates promised.

Meeting with Tom Hayes, MP for Bournemouth East

We also met with Tom Hayes MP to raise our concerns about higher education, staff wellbeing, and governance at BU. In response, Tom reaffirmed his solidarity with people experiencing racism and his commitment to a Bournemouth free of prejudice, both locally and in Parliament. He told BU leadership that compulsory redundancies are not the right path and highlighted the need for accountability, transparency, and good governance. He urged the University to engage in meaningful dialogue with staff, especially with minoritised groups, and stressed the importance of ACAS conciliation and facilitated dialogue in light of the current breakdown in trust. Tom also acknowledged the unstable national funding settlement in higher education and shared that he has met with Baroness Smith, Minister for HE, who reaffirmed the value of universities as anchor institutions, their role in communities such as Bournemouth, and the importance of supporting international students. Looking ahead, he noted that the Government will publish a new white paper to strengthen links between universities, local economies, and skills, with a particular focus on widening access for disadvantaged groups. He emphasised the urgent need for more state funding for HE and confirmed that he will join a new working group of MPs for Higher Education.

He has since written to the VC to express his support for BU UCU and urged the VC to remain in dialogue with the union and agree to ACAS conciliation.

What You Can Do Now

• Continue to report workload, timetabling, and management issues to the branch so they can be evidenced and escalated.
• Stay alert for updates on the ACAS process and possible developments in the trade dispute.
• Share your experiences with us — your input strengthens our case in negotiations.

Thank you, as always, for your solidarity and commitment. Together, we are stronger.

In unity,
Your UCU Branch Committee