'Give postgraduate researchers the same protections as university staff' says union
The UK's University and College Union (UCU) has published a manifesto for postgraduate researchers (PGRs) to be recognised as staff rather than students.
It argues that PGRs produce high-quality research that furthers their university's research outputs, yet they do not get the same rights or pay as staff because they are classified as students. Non-funded PGRs even pay to produce data that the university takes ownership of. As a result, the manifesto reads that PGRs miss out on terms and conditions that are afforded to colleagues on employment contracts, including sick leave and parental leave.
The UCU calls this 'an injustice' and urges employers to treat PGRs as staff so they can access benefits. The union also notes that PGRs who deliver teaching, often known as graduate teaching assistants, must be put on an employment contract. The manifesto states that these contracts should not be zero hours and must include a job description, accurately contracted hours, rates and regularity of pay, with access to a pension scheme.
The manifesto also calls for funded extensions for the work of PGRs who have been impacted by the pandemic. PGRs who became ill, were unable to access a suitable work environment, had caring responsibilities, or were affected by school closures, 'must be supported to continue their work'.
Proposals in the manifesto include:
- PGRs being provided access to comparable terms and conditions as employees
- PGRs being provided with adequate facilities to complete their research
- PGRs granted access to regular feedback and support
- Ending any requirement to deliver unpaid teaching duties as part of a scholarship, bursary or stipend
- PGRs being included in staff meetings, mailing lists, projects and events
