The University and College Union (UCU) said today (Tuesday) that
plans to mass test students presented huge logistical challenges
that may leave staff and students stuck in limbo. It added that
plans for January are also urgently needed. The union was
responding to a report that the government plans to mass test
students for Covid before they return home for Christmas.
UCU said it was not yet clear whether all universities would take
part in the testing, how the tests would be administered, who
would pay for it and whether students who live at home and
commute to campus daily would be included.
It said the government also needed to follow recommendations from
Independent SAGE to move to online teaching now to lower the risk
of transmission on campus during lockdown, and to help manage the
mass movement of students.
NUS and UCU have already jointly called for students to have the
choice to be released from accommodation contracts if they wish
to stay at home, and be supported to learn remotely to lower the
risk of more outbreaks.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘We hope the government is
able to properly oversee mass testing of students at the end of
term, but there are huge hurdles to overcome to manage this
process. Some of our concerns include whether all universities
will be able to take part, how the tests will be administered,
who will cover the costs, what the plan is for students who
commute to campus daily from their family home, and how students
who aren’t able to be tested will travel home safely.
‘Many students have already spent this term yo-yoing in and out
of self-isolation, separated from family and friends, when they
could otherwise have been at home. This will have taken a huge
toll on their mental health. The government must follow
independent SAGE’s advice and tell universities to move all
non-essential in-person teaching online now to help manage the
return home. It must also support students to learn remotely next
term and work with universities to help release any students who
wish to remain at home from their accommodation contracts. We
cannot risk another mass outbreak due to further government
incompetence.’
