Support staff at the University of Bedfordshire have won an extra five days’ paid holiday, says UNISON today.
It follows a long campaign by the union to highlight what is says is the unfair difference in annual leave entitlement between support staff, who work in professional services, and academics.
From September, full-time professional services staff will receive 30 days of paid holiday, narrowing the gap with lecturing staff, who get 35. UNISON said support workers will continue to push for the same annual leave as academic staff.
UNISON University of Bedfordshire branch chair Martin Thurlow said: “Without the essential support professional services staff provide, the university wouldn’t be able to cope. They sort out admissions, keep the buildings clean, ensure labs and technology is working and so much more.
“But despite their vital roles, they’re treated differently to their academic colleagues, working longer hours and having fewer days holiday.
“This decision is a major step forward in UNISON’s fight for fairness at the University of Bedfordshire — but the battle for holiday equality continues.”