Students toreceive rebates
“A small number of second doses have been administered to people for clinical reasons and to ensure full usage of vaccine supply.
“Everyone who has received a first dose of the vaccine has an appointment to receive their second dose 12 weeks later, following the prioritisation set out by the Joint Commitee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
“These appointments will commence in March and we have received vaccine delivery schedules which identify sufficient vaccines to deliver this.”
Perth College UHI students will now receive rent rebates for the time not spent in their student accommodation over January and February.
The scheme aims to help university students who will be taught online over the next six weeks, with the vast majority not expected back on campuses until the start of March.
Perth College becomes the latest in a growing number of universities taking action in the UK to help students will their accomodation upkeep.
In response to the news, HISA Perth president Alex Wilson said: “HISA Perth are so pleased that Perth College UHI has taken the decision to support our students through this time of financial uncertainty.
“Perth College UHI students with residency contracts will be contacted with more details of the arrangement, and we encourage students in private term-time accommodation, who are not eligible for this, to reach out to us and apply to discretionary funds should they be struggling.
“In line with HISA, HISA Perth is calling on the Scottish Government to provide increased support and compensation to all students affected by the latest guidance.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson responded saying it has “no direct role in the provision of student residential accommodation, whether that is managed by universities or private sector organisations”.
They added: “These are judgments that universities and providers have got to make in contact and consultation with their student community, and it’s right and appropriate that that is undertaken.
“We encourage accommodation providers to come to an appropriate resolution of issues around tenancy agreements and rent payments.
“Our focus is on the public health emergency to keep students, staff and wider society safe, but we are aware that there is a financial impact and our discussions with the sector will be continuing.
“Any student facing additional hardship as a result of COVID-19 should apply for financial support from the FE/HE Discretionary Funds.”