I would just like to add here my own experience.
Recently I won an
unfair dismissal case against the University of Essex. I was dismissed,
because I submitted a claim for permanency having worked there for over 5
years continuously on a sequence of 19 fixed-term contracts.
No
procedure was followed, I was not granted any right during dismissal. I
was not even informed about the reason for it. This made my dismissal
unfair already. Regarding the reason, the key evidence was an email in
which an HR Officer advised the Head of my Department as follows:
"X is
pursuing her case for permanency... Was the intention that she would
teach modules in the next academic year? I would advise against this if
possible as ongoing teaching of modules each academic year can lead to
claims for permanent employment."
This advice on its own is a clear cut
breach of the law (Fixed-term Regulations). I represented myself in the
case, since UCU recommended that I should settle with the University,
i.e. accept their bribe.
Since the University lost this case at the
Employment Tribunal, the HR Officer sending the above email has been
promoted to become an HR Manager. I have not heard anything and have not
met anyone from the University since. It seems that I have been wiped
out of history from their point of view.
Anonymous
1 comment:
sadly your experience is not uncommon
UCU branch officers are a mixed lot....remember they are volunteers but also remember serving brings plenty of perks (free travel, accommodation, meals, days out....) to say nothing of time off for union duties for certain officers
You were lucky to have that HR evidence
my advice would be to continue to pursue your case by every avenue possible- even by embarrassing them you might get something more.....
good luck with it...
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