柠檬导航

Continuous strike action announced at Goldsmiths

Members at Goldsmiths, University of London will take continuous strike action from 23 September as part of their long-running dispute over the university's brutal redundancy programme, it was announced this week.

The dispute continues due to to the university's plans for devastating cuts, with over 90 members of staff at risk of losing their jobs before September. Goldsmiths 柠檬导航 members recently took ten days of strike action and are also engaged in an ongoing marking and assessment boycott, which is causing significant disruption to graduations and student progression.

柠檬导航 general secretary Jo Grady said 'Industrial action on this scale is a last resort but our members have been pushed to breaking point', adding that if management doesn't think again 'members will have no choice but to take long term industrial action from September'.

Please support 柠檬导航's global boycott of Goldsmiths and, if you're able, please donate to the 柠檬导航 Fighting Fund to help members forced into taking action. You can also send messages of solidarity on X/Twitter to

Please also support these university branches where 柠檬导航 members are fighting to defend jobs and education.

Underinvestment in English FE remains unacceptable

Following the new Labour government's announcement that there will be no new funding for FE in England 柠檬导航 general secretary Jo Grady told FE members that's it was 'hugely disappointing and we are looking for this to be rectified in upcoming budget statements'.

Members are being urged to use template letters to contact their local Labour MP and the Secretary of State for Education to demand action and support.

Covid-19 inquiry

The Covid-19 pandemic affected each and every one of us across the UK, and working people were particularly impacted. The during the pandemic and ensure that these experiences are heard through the Covid-19 inquiry.

The First Covid Inquiry report has been published and it confirms the impact of austerity on the UK preparedness and resilience. The report further confirms what unions have been saying that public services were under strain well before the pandemic and austerity left the UK underprepared. The report also found that inequality put certain communities at disproportionate risk during the pandemic:

Survey on artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence technologies are already being used within HE and FE impacting on your working lives and the education of students. It is crucial we shape the impact of these technologies on education in a way that works for both staff and students, mitigating the risks they could pose.

The future of work in post-16 education working group is considering the threats and opportunities of these technologies and . Your responses will help them to understand from your perspective the uses, benefits and threats of AI-driven education technologies.

柠檬导航 training programme on branch leadership

'Branch leaders: a strategic approach to branch building' is a residential course designed for those who wish to take on a branch leadership role. The course concentrates on techniques and strategies for developing a sustainable branch with active member involvement. It will also look at how to negotiate/consult with management, develop collective agreements, and communication with members.

The residential course will take place on 30 September, 1 and 2 October 2024 and then on 28 and 29 November 2024, at the GFTU Quorn Grange Hotel in Loughborough. Click here for more information and to register.

Summer break

Please note we're now taking a break for a few weeks and this weekly email will resume in September. We will of course continue to send out other important updates to members and branches.

Those of you who are able, please have a restful break, and huge solidarity to those working throughout the summer and especially to those facing an uncertain new academic year.