UCU: Transparency on casualisation and fighting hidden redundancies

Motion

Motion title: Transparency on casualisation and fighting hidden redundancies

Motion text: HESC notes that:
1. HESA data do not provide a clear picture on the extent of casualisation in
HE.
2. Amid sector-wide budget cuts and threats of compulsory redundancies,
hidden redundancies of “easily-disposable” casualised staff are already
happening (hours are slashed and fixed-term contracts terminated),
increasing the workload of those who remain.
HESC believes that:
a. Data about the true extent of casualisation in Higher Education are
necessary.
b. Poor data invisibilise the true extent of casualisation
HESC resolves to:
i. Obtain the following, alongside equalities data: number of staff on casualised
contracts, including time-limited open-ended contracts, continuous length of
service on precarious contracts, full-time equivalent and head count of staff
on hourly contracts.
ii. Ensure that campaigns against compulsory redundancies do not
disproportionally lead to budget cuts targeting casualised staff; requesting
the above data is key.
iii. Campaign against hidden redundancies alongside campaigning against
compulsory redundancies.