University staff less happy and more anxious than UK average

They aren’t unique in this. Lockdown has been tough on all those employed on short term/hourly/daily contracts in all sectors. And tbh most of my academic colleagues have had a pretty easy lockdown compared to many other sectors. This will no doubt produce howls of outrage, but needs to be said to bring some balance to the discussion. HE isn’t unique in this issue. All employment sectors will face challenges over the next 2-3 years minimum as a result of the Coronavirus restrictions.

Pandemic working has hit staff hardest who are on teaching only contracts, the "University Teachers" of the post 92 sector. Not only does online delivery take more time, in my University we have been required to deliver extra classes to mitigate issues in student satisfaction. All of this means we have a number of colleagues who are considering leaving their roles. Add this to staffing issues exacerbated by EU staff returning home and we have a potential staffing crisis. But, what goes around comes around!

This result is not new but universities are not pressurised into doing anything about it because ONLY student mental, physical health, and wellbeing are what affect NSS and hence the focus of their attention.