Dear Pro-Vice Chancellor (Operations),

As the recognised unions at the University of London, although heartened by management’s reiterated position to remove all use of zero hour contracts, we would like to express our disappointment with the most recent statement issued by the University of London regarding the ongoing project to bring our valued colleagues back ‘in-house’.

We reaffirm our belief that all who call the University of London their regular place of work, should be directly employed and, therefore, entitled to the same protection and benefits available to them as UoL employees.

We believe this latest statement did little to address the concerns raised following both the email sent on 25 May 2018 and SharePoint update on 06 June 2018 and again fails to address the very real concerns of members of staff over who, when and how our colleagues will be brought back in house. We remind you that in a previous statement from management, we were told that “in practical terms, these initiatives will be progressed over the next 12-18 months with some services being brought in house in 2018/19”.

We request that Senior Management address the following issues;

1. Use of language
   We note that the statement issued did not include one instance of words or terms such as ‘worker’, ‘people’, ‘in-house’ or ‘bringing people in house’. This is unsettling given that some of these terms have been used within the previous communication and given that this issue is primarily about how people are employed. When communicating regarding this issue, these phrases should be used to avoid confusion and to provide clarity over who and what is being discussed.
2. Timetable
   We also note that we have yet to receive a timetable of who will be brought in house and when. The only recent reference made to a timeframe related to a possible customer service model and student residential life programme being presented to the Board of Trustees in the autumn. We request that a more detailed timetable be provided, to demonstrate the current stage of planning. Whilst we appreciate that such plans may be in a draft form, it is important that colleagues have sight of provisional plans as these also provide reassurance that the University remains committed to this issue. This should include reference to our cleaning colleagues as they were not directly addressed within the most recent statement.
3. Implementation group
   It has been suggested by senior management that an ‘in-housing implementation group’ is established. We request that the unions have full consultation on the Terms of Reference for and membership of this group.
4. Security review
   That the unions also have full consultation on the upcoming security review including agreeing the Terms of Reference, which security and technology experts are selected, and input into the methodology used for the review. Union involvement in this process is paramount, particularly now it has been communicated to staff. This is a health and safety issue and there will be many questions. Additionally, particularly in light of recent media coverage, reference should be made to the recent expenditure of University funds on enhanced security and what this has achieved over the last few weeks.
5. Zero hours contracts
   Clarification over which service providers are currently reviewing their zero hours contracts. We are aware Aramark are reviewing their zero-hours contracts but the statement suggests that all contracted out service providers are doing this and perhaps the University itself ‘across our estate’.
6. Residential Student Life programme
   The link between the Residential Student Life programme and the FM review is unclear. This needs to be unpacked and explained. If the University remains committed to seeking outcomes that are mutually agreeable to employer and employees, then clear, transparent and suitably detailed information must be offered as a key part in achieving this.

We look forward to receiving a response that addresses each of these issues in turn.

Sincerely,

UNISON & UCU Senate House branches

We are collating questions about last Friday’s in-housing announcement prior to our next meeting with management.

Let us know by:

• Talking to us at our weekly drop-in clinic (12.30 – 1.30, next and every Monday) in SB25 (to find the room, get to the reception desk of the lower ground floor in Senate House, turn right and go through the double doors  – the room signage is on order!)
• Popping over to see us at the joint Q&A point we’re holding with UNISON in the LG floor reception, Senate House (just outside Deller Hall) on Thursday 7 June between 12.30pm and 1.30pm
• Emailing a member of the committee 

Dear All,

As you’ll be aware – there has been a statement from the Vice-Chancellor that confirms the Board of Trustees has agreed to start bringing out-sourced workers back in-house.

This is a positive result but it isn’t over. We now need to seek more clarity and commitment from the University and to work diligently and with purpose to scrutinize the next steps in the process, and to ensure that it happens.

We always knew that going into this process we were going to have to consider the technicalities of things like transferring contracts and developing infrastructure, and that’s why we’re going to need as much help as possible from all of those involved in order to get it done properly and in good time.

I encourage all members to email UCU@london.ac.uk and give us your thoughts on the announcement.

We’ll be coming back to you very soon with more updates based on member feedback. In the meantime, please read the following message as it is intended: a promise from us to do our part in bringing people back in-house as quickly as possible.

Tim Hall
Branch Chair

As you will be aware the recognised trade unions at the University of London, UNISON and UCU, have taken part in the ongoing Facilities Management Review, and have consistently worked hard to persuade the University to end outsourcing and bring all outsourced workers back in-house.

Both UCU and UNISON are very encouraged to hear the Board of Trustees have agreed with the joint recommendation, reached through discussions between management and Union representatives, to bring outsourced workers in-house. This will happen in a phased basis, starting in 18/19, this phased approach was agreed in order to minimise the impact on the financial health of the University and create sustainable services for many years to come. We will continue to work together to expedite the process as much as practically possible and to ensure a positive outcome for both outsourced workers and University staff.

Once brought in-house, our outsourced workforce will benefit significantly through direct employment by the University with greater stability, job security, career development and progression, better terms and conditions, workforce policies, and fairer working practices.

We will of course keep members updated with our progress.

UCU and UNISON, Senate House branches

We passed a motion at our branch meeting on 19 April 2018 to show our support for bringing workers currently outsourced back in-house. The motion suggested what UCU members could do if they want to show solidarity with outsourced workers taking strike action on Wednesday and Thursday this week (25-26 April). Colleagues should remain aware of the rules around secondary action.

Here are some things that UCU branch members wishing to show solidarity CAN do:

• Go outside and mingle with colleagues at lunchtime on Wednesday and learn more about some of the problems with outsourcing. You can do this during your lunch or join some of us at 1pm…look for the UCU banner on the Russell Square side of the building;
• Join a planned protest outside Senate House after work at 5pm on Wednesday;
• Donate directly to the IWGB strike fund.

At last week’s branch meeting, UCU members were also briefed on the remit of the FM Services Review Steering Group. Membership of this group includes UCU, and we remain committed to furthering our aim of bringing all workers back in-house through this mechanism.