University students received a boost today with the launch of a
new employment and skills guide alongside the confirmation that
all remaining students can return to in-person teaching from May
17.
Prime Minister announced that the country can progress to Step 3 of
the Government’s roadmap which will see a further easing of
restrictions on indoor mixing and social contact.
Some students, including those doing practical courses such as
science and engineering, and who need to access specialist
facilities and equipment, are already back on campus.
Before the remaining students return, they are encouraged to take
a test either through home or community testing at least one day
before they travel back to their term-time accommodation.
Upon arrival at their term-time accommodation, all students and
staff will be encouraged to take three supervised Lateral Flow
Devices (LFD) tests 3 to 4 days apart at an on-campus
asymptomatic testing site, and will be expected to be tested two
times a week throughout the rest of the summer term.
Home testing kits will be available to help those who are unable
to attend the on-campus testing facilities. Further advice and
support for universities is included in our updated guidance.
In addition to confirming the return for all remaining students,
the Department for Education has worked with the Office for
Students (OfS) and universities to deliver support and advice for
those students who have graduated during the pandemic and might
not have had access to the opportunities needed to take the next
steps in their lives.
The Graduate Employment and
Skills Guide brings together a broad range of tools, advice
and resources into a five-step plan which will help pandemic
graduates consider their post-university choices, identify and
develop their critical skills, gain professional experience, and
further their career while maintaining good mental wellbeing.
Universities Minister said:
“Our priority from the very start of this pandemic has been to
protect students complete their courses and graduate as planned
which is why I am pleased that the Prime Minister has today
confirmed all remaining students can return to in-person teaching
from the 17 May as part of Step 3 of the Government’s road map.
“It is vital that we make every effort to keep us all as safe as
possible, and every student will be offered three tests on return
to campus. I would strongly encourage students to make use of the
free tests available to them.
“To further support those beginning the next chapter in their
lives we have published our Graduate Employment and Skills Guide,
created with universities and designed with prospective employers
in mind, which will give students the help and advice they need
to build their skills and kickstart their careers.
“I know that entering the jobs market can be daunting,
particularly during a global pandemic, but I know that employers
will recognise the resilience and strength of this year’s
graduates and the essential role they will play in this country’s
recovery.”
Upon return, all tests for students will be free, through both
the Government’s offer of free rapid LFD tests twice weekly to
everyone in England, and ‘University Collect’ services, under
which universities will distribute tests from communal locations
on campus, such as libraries. This is in addition to the onsite
testing already offered.
All students and staff who test positive from an LFD test will
need to self-isolate for 10 days, unless they receive a negative
PCR test result within two days of the LFD test being taken.
The Government has made available an additional £85m in hardship
funding for those students most in need, such as those struggling
to pay accommodation costs due to the pandemic. International and
postgraduate students will be eligible for this funding along
with domestic undergraduates. This is on top of an existing £256
million that universities can draw on.
