We raised concerns that the University of Warwick may be the cause of zero-hour contracts or some type of casual contracts akin to it (See UNISON's guidance on types of contractsLink opens in a new window), even if they don't directly use them as they recently publicly stated on social media.

On one hand, the University did take the issue seriously -- they advised that widespread practice is for managers to put hours and working patterns in writing when agencies (such as Unitemps) provide workers, which would then form part of their contractual employment arrangements. However, the university has also acknowledged that this may not be known to some managers and that there is little or no compliance checking. The University are going to boost messaging on this issue internally to HR and managers, and include the need for additional guidance and processes in Transformation planning discussions for HR.

We also discussed the improper use of Unitemps where fixed-term contracts are more appropriate, including the sizeable new group of colleagues providing residential community assistance in halls (e.g. the Residential Community Assistants). The University have acknowledged a lack of compliance checking processes, and will again work this into Transformation plans. Branch secretary Sam Parr has pressed for interim arrangements, and the University have agreed that if we cannot resolve such issues locally with department that the Employee Relations team will review/support.