At the start of strike action by some members of the University
and College Union, Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the
Office for Students (OfS), said:
“We are extremely concerned about the potential impact of these
strikes on students. Students have endured an exceptionally
difficult time. It cannot be right that they face further
disruption, and we would urge the employers and trade unions to
work quickly so that any industrial dispute does not materially
affect students.
“Last month the OfS published a briefing note
setting out that universities must do all they can to mitigate
the impact of the strikes and ensure that students continue to
receive a quality higher education experience. We have also
written to universities affected reminding them that
our registration conditions continue to apply through any
industrial action.
“Universities are subject to consumer protection law, and they
should consider how they will make up for any disruption caused
by industrial action. This might include rescheduling any
teaching which is missed, delivering course topics in a
different way or considering whether partial refunds of tuition
fees are appropriate. Students should not be disadvantaged
academically because of any disruption.”
