COVID-19 update

Last week, the RSA met with Professor Louise Heathwaite (Pro Vice Chancellor for Research & Enterprise), Paul Boustead (Director HR) and Yvonne Fox (Associate Director Research Enterprise Services) about the current situation for researchers. We spoke about three main topics that are particularly affecting researchers: furlough, redeployment and bridging funding. Whilst the situation continues to change, here is a summary:

General

  • PVC-R confirms that researchers are “on the radar” and she is aware of the difficulties we face
  • HR have identified those at risk of redundancy during the next few months
  • PVC-R is speaking with funders (e.g. UKRI) and other universities about these difficulties but a lot of these issues are out of the University’s control
  • Number of applications to external funders has remained broadly similar so far. Suggests research income should remain broadly the same.
  • We do have to appreciate the current situation is unprecedented and the University is under serious financial constraints (from non-research incomes at least)
    • But we do remain concerned that there is little concrete action underway to help researchers

Furlough

  • Furlough scheme is likely to be ending soon with the reduction of “lock down” – currently planning for June. (Note: subsequent national news indicates it will be available until October)
  • All furlough cases must have an “audited need” for furlough (e.g. your work cannot continue)
  • Non-publicly funded researchers (e.g. charities & industry) are eligible
    • Eligible researchers should have been identified by HR
    • You don’t have to be furloughed if you don’t want to be
  • Publicly funded researchers were initially not eligible, however:
    • You may be eligible if you/your PI can secure a no cost extension to your grant
    • UKRI has indicated that no cost extensions may be granted where:
      • The work is not possible due to COVID-19 or,
      • The researcher has caring responsibilities that affected their ability to work
    • You and your PI will need to speak to Research Enterprise Services (RES) to inquire.
  • Anyone who thinks they may be eligible should speak to their line managers, HR and RES
  • Furlough cannot be back-dated beyond May (speak to HR)

 

Bridging Funding

  • Part of the new “fixed-term contract policy” was to roll out bridging funding (i.e. funding to cover small gaps in contract) across departments
  • University is in a financial difficult time and has asked departments to return large amounts of money therefore, bridging funding is extremely unlikely
  • Has been suggested that, in future, an institutional level pot may be required – though no formal agreement on this
  • Researchers are encouraged to look at redeployment opportunities or no cost extensions

 

Redeployment/Ending of Contracts

  • There is a hiring freeze but posts are still being advertised to internal applicants
  • Externally funded posts are not affected by hiring freeze
    • They do still go through the Vacancy control panel, but this is to encourage redeployment potential
  • Redundancy process continues as normal
    • If you are coming to the end of your contract you may be made redundant
    • You have access to the redeployment portal (i.e. for another job at the University) or redundancy pay
    • You should be asked to fill in a Skills Audit. It is highly recommended that you do, so that you can realise the transferable skills you have.
      • Note: the skills audit is not seen by others (e.g. by potential new line managers) but this could be changed if desirable
  • Everyone’s situations are different, but it may be worth considering redeployment (perhaps on a temporary basis) if other opportunities are slim
  • The University sees itself as being in “a different place” post-COVID-19 and thinks researchers will be redeployed to other research areas
    • Somewhat controversial as it moves us away from “traditional” discipline-specific careers.
    • Does enable more flexibility in keeping on staff/staying at one employer
    • Potentially helps with interdisciplinarity – something the PVC-R is very keen on

 

 

If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with work issues because of the pandemic, please get in touch. HR are very keen to hear from affected workers.