College accused of ‘forcing’ staff in for virtual open day
BOSSES at Macclesfield College have been branded irresponsible over ‘attempts to force staff’ to come on site for a virtual open day.
The University and College Union (UCU) has accused the college ignored government guidance in organising the event on Thursday, June 11.
It says all the necessary tasks could have been done by staff at home - particularly given the event was a virtual one and the high rate of Covid19 transmission in the north west.
But the open day went ahead with some staff going in to take part and others refusing to on safety grounds.
There is also criticism over a lack of consultation with the union.
UCU regional official Martyn Moss said: “We don’t know of any other college that is behaving in such an irresponsible way.
”We are stunned Macclesfield College is trying to force staff to come in for a virtual event to undertake tasks they could safely do at home.
”There are more than 40 colleges in the north west and none have had open days with staff in the workplace. It is unnecessary and reckless.”
The UCU has issued further criticism of the college’s approach to health and safety risk assessments.
It says an assessment for having people on site - relating both to the open day and opening in general - was given to union officials the day before the event but was an inadequate summary.
A new, fuller one has now been presented, which the union is currently looking over.
Mr Moss added: “The statutory duties and government guidance regarding risk assessments and consultation over health and safety are clear.
”So we don’t understand why the college thinks it can proceed in such a reckless fashion.
“The health of staff, students and their families has to be the number one priority for every college.”
Macclesfield College also opened on Tuesday, June 16, to ‘a small cohort of learners who need to undertake assessments or are vulnerable’.
A spokesman said that it followed guidance from Cheshire East Council and the Association of Colleges.
The spokesman did not directly address the issue of the open day when asked but did talk about the work done to ensure on site safety.
“The safety of staff and learners is the number one priority for Macclesfield College, the spokesman said.
“In preparation, the college has carried out the relevant risk assessments, and consulted with staff, students, governors, and union representatives, to ensure we have the right measures in place,” the spokesman said.
“The college has gone above and beyond the requirements and has worked with an external consultancy that has advised the Nightingale
Hospitals, NHS Trusts, Police and Fire Services.
“They conducted an independent audit and thoroughly reviewed our plans and processes to ensure efficacy and compliance.
“The company spent three days on site, meeting with staff and the unions.
“They also reviewed multiple sources of information including policies, risk assessments and communications.
“As a result, Macclesfield College was awarded a certificate of compliance, which confirms we have the measures in place in line with relevant education, industry, and general government guidelines.
“We are extremely proud of the fantastic job our staff have done to prioritise our learners and keep supporting them over the past few months in difficult circumstances.”