Despatches
News
Phase 2 · 12 August 2026
Tell Essex UCU what Phase 2 is doing
Anonymous evidence on workloads, ill health and work left undone. Open to members and non-members, rolling through August.
ReadMembership · 29 July 2026
Keep your UCU membership after employment ends
Members can stay attached to Essex UCU after they leave — for casework, and to stay in the branch.
ReadPhase 2 · 22 July 2026
Phase 2 paused in Academic Section and departmental administration
A win forced by all three campus unions. The structures were not viable. The rest of professional services is still in the process — including compulsory redundancies.
ReadNational · 24 June 2026
Essex UCU requisitions a Special HE Sector Conference
The branch passed a motion to force a conference on the Secretary of State campaign and electronic balloting.
ReadPhase 2 · 17 June 2026
Phase 2: 340 still at risk, £9.2m savings target
From 425 at-risk letters down to 340 people / 296 FTE. A second VR window is uncommitted. Members voted for grade uplift and a second 1:1.
ReadRedundancies · 13 May 2026
How to appeal a redundancy
You have 28 days from the confirmation letter. Start the draft now. Casework will back you.
ReadLeadership · 15 April 2026
University-wide vote of no confidence passes at 97%
Staff voted overwhelmingly that they have no confidence in Vice-Chancellor Frances Bowen and her senior management team.
ReadThe branch · 11 March 2026
Essex UCU records no confidence in the Vice-Chancellor
Branch members voted no confidence in the Vice-Chancellor and senior management a month before the university-wide ballot.
ReadSolidarity · 26 March 2026
Local hardship fund open after 15 days of strikes
Strike days were 12–19 February, 5–11 March and 16–19 March 2026. Members who lost pay can apply. Donations keep the fund alive.
ReadRedundancies · 16 December 2025
Management plans to erase 400 jobs and close Southend
The scale of the cuts is catastrophic. Other branches have fought similar plans and won. If we stand together, we can win too.
ReadDispute · 2025
The Academic Framework is a threat to our conditions
Plans for a new Academic Framework would reshape teaching, workload and academic freedom. The branch has a timeline and a plan to win.
ReadPensions · December 2025
USS pensions seminar now available to members
A recorded seminar for USS members, plus FAQs on flexible retirement for members over 55.
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