Skip to content

Dear colleague, 

I hope you have enjoyed a peaceful festive period, despite the challenging circumstances, and are looking forward to 2021. 

You will have seen media coverage yesterday of the government announcements regarding plans for the start of next term affecting schools and universities. Last night Michelle Donelan, Minister of State for Universities, shared plans to minimise the number of students travelling in January to reduce the transmission of coronavirus as cases rise across parts of England. She has been clear that there is no evidence that university sites are unsafe, but that any mass movement poses a risk at this point in the pandemic.  

The Minister stated that only students on specified courses will be able to return for educational activities on a university site from 4 January. We know these to include medicine, allied health and physician associate programmes, but are seeking clarification from the government on the position with other programmes as we have received conflicting information this evening. We will update you as soon as we can tomorrow on any adjustments for the start of term. We have sent a holding message to students too. 

Continued Tier 4 restrictions 

London remains in Tier 4 coronavirus restrictions, and as such, the University is continuing to operate as it has done through the autumn. Control measures following government guidelines have been put in place to ensure our site is Covid-secure (see further information here https://www.sgul.ac.uk/about/covid-19/our-responsibilities). You can continue to do work onsite which cannot be done at home. 

Schools closures 

We understand that some staff will be impacted by the delay in the start of next term for some schools. As would be the case with any unplanned caring responsibilities, we ask managers to be as flexible as possible to help staff manage these commitments alongside their work. If you believe you could be eligible for critical worker status, such as the necessity to be on site at the university, which would allow your child/children to attend school, please speak to your line manager who should liaise with HR.   

I understand that the ongoing uncertainty is difficult for everyone and hope you will continue to look out for each other, offering support and encouragement where needed.  

Professor Jenny Higham 

Principal 

Find a profileSearch by A-Z