UCU announces marking and assessment boycott due to start later this month

The University and College Union (UCU) has announced a marking and assessment boycott to begin later this month following continued disputes over pay and pensions, according to the UCU Twitter account.

From April 20th, UCU are asking members to cease all summative marking and associated assessment activities. The boycott will also cover assessment-related work such as exam invigilation.

Our union has today served notice on employers for a marking and assessment boycott to begin later this month in the pension and pay & conditions disputes#ucuRISING

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— UCU (@ucu) April 5, 2023

Newcastle and Northumbria Universities have not yet commented on whether staff will be taking part, although the decision will depend on UCU members at each university. It is not possible to say which students will be affected, although Newcastle University said on their website: “We want to assure you that we will be doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of this industrial action and to enable you to learn, progress and achieve your awards.

“Where teaching and assessment is disrupted, the university will implement Emergency Guidance for programme delivery and assessment, and for any further disruption until the end of the academic year.

“The emphasis in the Emergency Guidance is to ensure fair treatment of all students to maintain academic standards and to protect student education and allow students to progress or achieve their awards.”

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