University workers in Covid action warning

STAFF at the University of Edinburgh threatened industrial action if they were asked to go back to campus before it was safe amid fears over a more transmissible variant of Covid.

Members of the University and Colleges Union (UCU) have said they have not been included in up-to-date health and safety risk assessments, which take into account the virulence of the new variant.

There is increasing concern about the wellbeing of staff, students and the wider population as teaching resumes.

UCU Edinburgh branch spokesperson Vivek Santayana said: “The new variant of Covid means that it is even more dangerous for on campus activity to resume this term.

“This threatens not just our members, but the health and wellbeing of students and the wider public.

“Our members have been getting in touch with us – they are afraid and feel they are running out of options.

“At this point, we feel it is important that we are able to take industrial action to protect our health and safety should our members be asked to return to campus before it is safe.”

A University of Edinburgh spokesman said: “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students is of paramount importance, and has been taken into careful consideration throughout the pandemic.

“We are working with Public Health Scotland to ensure all appropriate health and safety measures are in place.

“These policies have been informed by Scottish Government guidance, which we will continue to review and work with – in liaison with union representatives – as advice changes.”