More strikes in row over university hybrid working

Hundreds of university staff are to stage more strikes in their dispute over hybrid-working arrangements.

More than 340 professional services staff, including those involved in graduation ceremonies and the confirmation of places and clearing for September's intake of new students, will go on strike on 14 August and from 16 to 19 September, when the university is due to welcome new and returning students.

Members of the Unite trade union have also agreed to ban overtime, a move which it said would "impact" graduation ceremonies this week.

In a previous statement, the university said it offered "progressive employment" to give colleagues "flexibility and choice" and support work-life balance.

The dispute began after the union claimed management had "imposed" changes to hybrid-working arrangements.

Bosses now want staff to increase their proportion of on-campus working time from 40% to 60%.

Unite regional officer Sam Marshall said: "Further disruptions are entirely of Liverpool University's own making.

"We urge Liverpool University's management to maintain the status quo and work with Unite to find a solution that is flexible and fit for purpose.

"We intend to keep standing up for our members until this happens."

In June, the university said: "Many staff already spend all or most of their working time on campus and the change to at least 60% for those who work part of their time from home is intended to strike the right balance as a face-to-face higher education provider."

Unite members in professional services walked out on two days last month during open days and also held a rally on 20 June.

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