‘Mixed messages’ on face coverings on campus ‘harm compliance’

Here's the nub of it: “Some universities are sending a strong and consistent message on wearing face coverings and are implementing a systematic and transparent programme of ventilation checking,” Dr Chitty said. “But many others are doing neither, to the point where it is hard to see that they are fulfilling their legal duty under the Health and Safety Act 1974 to ensure as far as is ‘reasonably practicable’ the health, safety and welfare of their staff and students.” Simple fact: An Employer (any employer, any job) have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace. University Teaching is no different. Do I feel safe at work? Heck no.

I have no worries about being on campus and have elected to do some face-to-face teaching. Personally, I would remove all requirements to observe any restrictions since these no longer apply in pubs and so on, where students can mix freely.

Classrooms are not pubs, we have no immediate choice about whether to be there, our students expect us to keep them safe and universities have a legal obligation to keep their employees safe. If someone you know dies as a result of gross incompetence on the part of university senior management push for a criminal investigation - institutional liability or even personal criminal liability. A selection of vice-chancellors or other senior managers answering for their decisions in a criminal court should at least focus minds for next time: https://www.vanderpumpandsykes.co.uk/site/library/employment/corporate_manslaughter_and_gross_negligence_manslaughter.html

Sorry to disappoint you all. It is quite clear the government does not care, you cannot enforce face coverings on students. You can either opt to wear one or not wear one yourself. The university management teams pretend to care but do not really. They do not want you to catch covid as that means potentially giving your work to someone else while you try to recover. Thats it no more lockdowns as the government has given up and cannot afford them...stay safe but it up to you to minimize your own risk and get jabbed is part of it.